Stun Gun and Taser Laws in Tennessee

The state of Tennessee generally allows civilians to own and carry stun guns and Tasers. But there are still some regulations governing where and how these weapons can be carried and used. It's important to understand the rules if you're considering carrying one of these weapons.

What are Tasers and Stun Guns?

Unlike some states, Tennessee does not have laws specifically defining what stun guns and Tasers are. But, in general:

• a stun gun is a weapon that causes a painful electric shock when it's pressed directly against its target, and
• a Taser fires darts attached to wires, and sends a more powerful electric charge through its target.

Both weapons use electricity to injure or disable their targets.

Are Tasers and Stun Guns Legal in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not bar civilians from owning stun guns and Tasers, and does not significantly regulate their possession. But it's important to understand the limits the state does place on these weapons.

Restrictions on Where You Can Carry a Weapon

The state of Tennessee places few restrictions on where you can carry a stun gun or Taser. But this doesn't mean you're allowed to carry one of these weapons anywhere you want.

For example, state law allows individuals, companies, and governments (local, state, and federal) to bar people from carrying weapons on their property. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1359 (2025).)

State law explicitly bars public colleges and universities from banning "non-lethal weapons," including stun guns and Tasers. This law allows a person to carry a stun gun on campus as long as they are:

• an adult
• legally allowed to be there, and
• carrying the weapon for self-defense.

The law does allow colleges and universities to bar stun guns and Tasers from:

• any K-12 school located on its property
• any building protected by armed security, and
• any building where such weapons are prohibited by contract (for example, by a school's lease with a building owner).

(Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1309(f) (2025).)

Stun Gun and Taser Possession by Minors

Tennessee state law does not set a minimum age for owning or possessing a stun gun or Taser. However, minors may have less freedom than adults to carry these weapons. For example, the law we discussed above, which requires public colleges and universities to allow stun guns and Tasers on campus, applies only to adults.

Tennessee law also requires local school boards and school administrators to adopt and administer disciplinary polices. One of the issues these policies must address is the possession of weapons on school property or at school events.

(Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-4002 (2025).)

Who Can Be Barred from Carrying a Stun Gun or Taser?

The police and courts in Tennessee can confiscate a person's stun gun or Taser under certain circumstances. For example:

• The federal court that covers eastern Tennessee (including Knoxville and Chattanooga) does not allow people to possess weapons, including stun guns and Tasers, if they're on probation or supervised release.
• In domestic violence cases, the police are required to seize any weapon they have probable cause to believe was used to hurt or threaten the victim. When making a domestic violence arrest, the police have the authority to seize weapons for their own safety and the safety of the victim. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-620 (2025).)

If you have questions about whether you're allowed to purchase or possess a stun gun or Taser, consider consulting with an attorney or speaking with the local police.

Using a Taser or Stun Gun as a Deadly Weapon

As we've discussed above, stun guns and Tasers are generally considered less-lethal weapons. They're designed to temporarily incapacitate their targets, not to kill them. However, these devices can sometimes cause serious injury or even death, depending on how they're used and on the victim's condition. For instance, someone who's been stunned repeatedly could fall and sustain injuries. Or someone with a heart condition could suffer cardiac arrest after being "tased."

So, even though Tennessee's weapons laws don't specifically refer to stun guns or Tasers, they can be classified as deadly weapons in certain situations. This is because Tennessee's definition of a deadly weapon includes anything that's capable of causing serious bodily injury or death in the manner of its use or intended use. And state courts have recognized that even an object that isn't designed to be deadly can become a deadly weapon. For example, if an assailant kicks someone with heavy boots, then the boots might be a deadly weapon under Tennessee law. In a criminal case, a jury might eventually have to decide, based on all the evidence, if a stun gun or Taser was used a deadly weapon. (Tenn. Code § 39-11-106(a)(5)(B) (2025); State v. Madden, 99 S.W.3d 127, 130 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2002).)

Tennessee imposes serious criminal penalties on people who misuse deadly weapons. For example, it is a Class E felony in Tennessee, punishable by 1-6 years in prison, to carry a deadly weapon if you intend to use it in a crime. (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1307(d) (2025).)

In addition, if you use or show a deadly weapon while committing certain crimes, like assault or kidnapping, you could be charged with the "aggravated" version of the crime. This changes the offense from a misdemeanor (punishable by no more than one year in jail) to a felony carrying a more serious prison sentence. For example, if you use a stun gun or Taser to commit an assault, you could be charged with a Class C felony punishable by 3-15 years in prison. (Tenn. Code § 39-13-102 (2025); Tenn. Code § 40-35-111 (2025).)

Using a Stun Gun or Taser in Self-Defense

Tennessee, like all states, allows people to use force if it's necessary to defend themselves. You can only use force in self-defense if:

• you're not trespassing
• you're not committing a serious crime
• the use of force is immediately necessary to protect yourself, and
• the other person's use (or attempted use) of force is unlawful.

You are also not allowed to use more force than necessary to defend yourself. Tenn. Code § 39-11-611(b)(1) (2025).

These are important considerations if you plan to use a weapon like a stun gun or Taser as a self-defense weapon. Make sure you understand the kinds of threats that warrant the use of a weapon in self-defense.

Getting More Information and Legal Help

Tennessee does not impose extensive restrictions on civilian possession stun guns and Tasers. But, as we've seen, these weapons can be banned in government buildings and on private property, and the state imposes serious penalties on people who misuse them. If you have any questions about how state law or local rules apply to your situation, you may want to check with your local law enforcement agency or a local lawyer. But if you're facing charges for a crime that involved the possession or use of a stun gun, you should speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Look Out for Legal Changes

States can change their laws at any time. You can use this search tool to find and read the current version of Tennessee codes discussed in this article. Be aware, however, that court decisions may change the interpretation of laws—another reason you may want to consult with a local lawyer.