A stun gun (popularly also known as a Taser, the main maker of stun guns) is a defensive device designed to temporarily incapacitate or immobilize a person by the emission of conducted energy.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.224a.)

This article describes Michigan laws regarding who may not have a stun gun, and the circumstances or situations when carrying a stun gun is illegal in the state.

To learn more about how stun guns work, and how permitting laws vary by state, see  State Gun Laws and Permit Requirements.

How to Legally Carry a Stun Gun in Michigan

In Michigan, you must first apply for a concealed pistol permit before you possess a stun gun. (Certain exceptions may apply if you are a peace officer, corrections officer, member of the armed services, or other authorized individual.) And even with a concealed pistol permit, you may use a stun gun  onlyfor self-defense purposes.

For more information on obtaining your concealed pistol permit, see  Michigan Gun Laws.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § § 750.224a, 750.231.)

Situations or Circumstances Where Carrying a Stun Gun is Illegal

It is illegal to carry a stun gun if you do not have a concealed pistol permit in your possession. Violation of this law is a civil infraction.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425f.)

A person who possesses a concealed pistol permit and is carrying a stun gun must, upon request, provide a peace officer with his or her concealed pistol permit and Michigan driver’s license or personal identification card. Violation of this law is a civil infraction.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425f.)

If stopped by a peace office, a person who possesses a concealed pistol permit and is carrying a stun gun must immediately disclose to the peace officer that he or she currently possesses a stun gun. Violation of this law is a civil infraction.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425f.)

It is also illegal to carry a stun gun, even with a concealed pistol permit, in or on the following premises (excluding the parking areas of the premises listed below):

• school property, unless the permit holder is a parent or legal guardian of a current student who remains in a vehicle and is dropping of or picking up a student
• a public or private child care center or day care center
• a sports arena or stadium
• a bar or tavern
• any property or facility owned or operated by a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other place of worship, unless authorized by establishment officials
• an entertainment facility with a seating capacity of 2,500 or more individuals
• a hospital, or
• a dormitory or classroom of a community college, college, or university.

Peace officers and select others are exempt from these laws. Violation of this law is a civil infraction.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425o.)

Penalties for Stun Gun Carry Violations

In Michigan, it is a felony to sell or possess a stun gun. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000, up to four years in prison, or both. The stun gun is also subject to seizure and forfeiture.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § § 750.224a, 28.425g.)

Even with a valid concealed pistol permit, it is a misdemeanor to use a stun gun against another person for purposes other than self-defense. Penalties include a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § 750.224a.)

It is illegal to carry a stun gun if you do not have a concealed pistol permit in your possession. Penalties include a fine of up to $100. The stun gun is also subject to seizure.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425f.)

It is illegal not to provide a peace officer with a concealed pistol permit and Michigan driver’s license or personal identification card, upon request. Penalties include a fine of up to $100. The stun gun is also subject to seizure.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425f.)

It is illegal not to disclose to a peace officer that you currently possess a stun gun. Penalties include a fine of up to $500, suspension of your concealed pistol license for six months, or both. Penalties for subsequent violations that occur within three years of a prior offense include a fine of up to $1,000, revocation of your concealed pistol license, or both.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425f.)

Even with a valid concealed carry permit, it is illegal to carry a stun gun in the areas listed above. Penalties include a fine of up to $500, suspension of your concealed pistol license for six months, or both. A second violation is a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and revocation of your concealed pistol permit. Subsequent violations are felonies, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, four years in prison, or both, in addition to the revocation of your concealed pistol permit.

(Mich. Comp. Laws § 28.425o.)

Getting Legal Help

If you have any questions about whether you are allowed to purchase, carry, or use a gun in Michigan, or if you are facing charges for a stun gun violation, consult a qualified criminal defense lawyer.

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