Tasers are one of those things that you see in common usage with police forces, but pretty rarely in the hands of civilians. They’re expensive, and definitely a niche item, but they can offer you totally unique defensive capability compared to other weapons.
They have some real advantages for some people, but unfortunately, tasers are still not legal everywhere and this is yet another roadblock to their widespread civilian adoption as self-defense weapons.
How about in Indiana? Are tasers legal in Indiana?
Yes, tasers are legal to possess and carry in Indiana, but they are subject to all of the same laws concerning handguns found in IC 35-47-2. You’ll need a concealed handgun license to carry one in public.
Definitely a disappointment considering how freely available tasers are in other states, and how attractive they are to folks who aren’t interested in firearms or don’t want one for whatever reason.
Sadly, you’ll have to jump through all of the same hoops that you would to carry a handgun if you want to carry a taser in Indiana.
There’s a lot more to know, naturally, so keep reading and I’ll tell you all about it.
How are Tasers Classified in Indiana?
Tasers will fall under two definitions in Indiana, both of them found in 35-47-8. These definitions are “electronic stun weapon” and “taser” specifically.
“Electronic stun weapon” is broadly anything that is designed to emit an electric shock that exceeds the equivalent of a 5 milliamp 60hz shock.
A “taser” is simply defined as anything designed to emit an electric shock and temporarily incapacitate a person through the use of projectiles.
You can see the exact text of 35-47-8-1 and 35-47-8-3 below for details.
35-47-8-1. “Electronic Stun Weapon” Defined
As used in this chapter, “electronic stun weapon” means any mechanism that is:
(1) designed to emit an electronic, magnetic, or other type of charge that exceeds the equivalency of a five (5) milliamp sixty (60) hertz shock; and
(2) used for the purpose of temporarily incapacitating a person.
35-47-8-3. “Taser” Defined
As used in this chapter, “taser” means any mechanism that is:
(1) designed to emit an electronic, magnetic, or other type of charge or shock through the use of a projectile; and
(2) used for the purpose of temporarily incapacitating a person.
Are Stun Guns Legal in Indiana?
Yes, stun guns are legal in Indiana, and unlike most states, they have their own unique definition found in 35-47-8-2.
This is especially important to consider if you just want an electroshock defensive weapon because its stun guns are not held to the same legal standards concerning acquisition and carry that tasers are.
Worse, stun guns by definition are less capable of producing a debilitating shock compared to electronic stun weapons and tasers according to Indiana’s statutory definitions.
See the exact text of the relevant definition statute below and then keep reading.
35-47-8-2. “Stun Gun” Defined
As used in this chapter, “stun gun” means any mechanism that is:
(1) designed to emit an electronic, magnetic, or other type of charge that equals or does not exceed the equivalency of a five (5) milliamp sixty (60) hertz shock; and
(2) used for the purpose of temporarily incapacitating a person.
Can You Carry a Taser Openly in Indiana?
Yes, but basically only if you’re on your private property, or the private property of someone else where you have explicit permission to be there and also carry the taser openly.
You cannot legally open carry a taser in your car.
Can You Carry a Taser Concealed in Indiana?
Yes, you can conceal carry a taser in Indiana but unless you want to stay on private property as detailed above, you’ll need a concealed handgun license, the same as you would for carrying a handgun.
No exceptions unless you are police or military! It’s also worth pointing out that 35-47-8-4 makes it clear that tasers and electronic stun weapons are subject to all of the same regulations as handguns are, specifically those found in 35-47-2.
Make sure you read all of the relevant handgun statutes here.
35-47-8-4. Applicability of Handgun Provisions
IC 35-47-2 applies to an electronic stun weapon or taser.
Are there Age Restrictions on Taser Ownership or Possession?
Yes. You have to be 18 or older to purchase or simply possess a taser in Indiana, but you must be 21 to carry one concealed.
What Do You Need to Do to Buy a Taser in Indiana?
If you want to purchase a taser in Indiana you’ll need to find a dealer that offers them for sale and follow their instructions.
But, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, and you cannot be a felon or a juvenile delinquent, adjudicated mentally defective or have a host of other things on your background.
Because tasers are subject to the same regulations as handguns, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with 35-47-2-1.5 which describes the unlawful carrying of a handgun.
An excerpt is below, but make sure you read the whole thing when you can. If any of the following apply to you, you cannot legally own a taser in Indiana.
35-47-2-1.5. Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun
…
(b) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d), the following persons may not knowingly or intentionally carry a handgun:
(1) A person convicted of a federal or state offense punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one (1) year.
(2) A fugitive from justice.
(3) An alien.
(4) A person convicted of:
(A) a crime of domestic violence (IC 35-31.5-2-78);
(B) domestic battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3); or
(C) criminal stalking (IC 35-45-10-5).
(5) A person restrained by an order of protection issued under IC 34-26-5.
(6) A person under indictment.
(7) A person who has been:
(A) adjudicated dangerous under IC 35-47-14-6;
(B) adjudicated a mental defective; or
(C) committed to a mental institution.
(8) A person dishonorably discharged from:
(A) military service; or
(B) the National Guard.
(9) A person who renounces the person’s United States citizenship in the manner described in 8 U.S.C. 1481.
(10) A person who is less than:
(A) eighteen (18) years of age; or
(B) twenty-three (23) years of age and has an adjudication as a delinquent child for an act described by IC 35-47-4-5;
unless authorized under IC 35-47-10.
(c) Subsection (b)(4)(A) and (b)(4)(B) does not apply to a person if a court has restored the person’s right to possess a firearm under IC 35-47-4-7.
Is Training Mandatory for Taser Ownership in Indiana?
No, training isn’t mandatory for taser ownership in Indiana, though training is mandatory if you want to conceal carry your taser anywhere except your own property.
That’s because you’ll need a concealed handgun license to carry one…
Where Can You Carry a Taser in Indiana?
You can carry a taser in a lot of places throughout the state of Indiana, but you can’t carry it just anywhere.
You can’t carry it into any school or onto school grounds, into any police department, sheriff’s office or correctional facility, and to any private property where weapons generally are forbidden, or into any government building, office, facility or property, be it city, county, state, or federally owned.
And as usual, you cannot carry your taser into the secured area of any airport or other sensitive installation.
When Can You Use a Taser to Defend Yourself in Indiana?
Tasers should only be used in genuine cases of self-defense, specifically against unlawful force being used against you that might reasonably result in death or great bodily injury.
That’s because there’s a non-zero chance a taser can cause death or great bodily injury itself, and so you always must be sure that you are justified in using it against someone else.
Never use a taser because you are angry, upset, insulted or to settle an argument, and never, ever use it as a prank.
Tom Marlowe practically grew up with a gun in his hand, and has held all kinds of jobs in the gun industry: range safety, sales, instruction and consulting, Tom has the experience to help civilian shooters figure out what will work best for them.