If you want to carry a taser for self-defense, I’ve got good news and bad news…

The good news is that they’re more available than ever before for civilians. The bad news is that they still aren’t legal everywhere, and every state has its own laws governing them.

Depending on where you live, this will make tasers more or less viable for you. Let’s look at Washington State. Are tasers illegal for civilian possession in Washington?

Yes, tasers are legal for civilian possession in Washington. They can be purchased and carried without any special training or permit, but there are many places where you cannot carry one in the state, and many municipal laws are far stricter, too.

Pretty surprising considering that Washington is fairly restrictive when it comes to other weapons. Not really the case with tasers and stun guns, though there are still plenty you’ll need to know and most vitally you’ll need to know where you cannot carry one.

I suppose just be happy that the taser is a worthwhile option in the state. Keep reading and I’ll tell you all about it.

How are Tasers Classified in Washington?

Tasers are broadly defined as “stun guns,” which are devices that emit electrical charges in order to administer an electric shock, and includes any device which is intended for use as a weapon.

I’d say that fits tasers precisely, along with actual stun guns. You can read the definition and qualifications for yourself under 9.41.280 concerning the possession of dangerous weapons on school facilities.

We also see that nowhere in 9.41.250, which defines “dangerous weapons,” are tasers and stun guns mentioned, nor anything that could be construed as such.

RCW 9.41.280 Possessing dangerous weapons on school facilities — Penalty — Exceptions.

…

(f)(i) Any portable device manufactured to function as a weapon and which is commonly known as a stun gun, including a projectile stun gun which projects wired probes that are attached to the device that emit an electrical charge designed to administer to a person or an animal an electric shock, charge, or impulse; or

(ii) Any device, object, or instrument which is used or intended to be used as a weapon with the intent to injure a person by an electric shock, charge, or impulse.

…

RCW 9.41.010 Definitions (as amended by 2022 c 104).

…

(12) “Firearm” means a weapon or device from which a projectile or projectiles may be fired by an explosive such as gunpowder. “Firearm” does not include a flare gun or other pyrotechnic visual distress signaling device, or a powder-actuated tool or other device designed solely to be used for construction purposes.

(13) “Gun” has the same meaning as firearm.

…

Are Stun Guns Legal in Washington?

Yes, stun guns are completely legal at the state level in Washington. However, various cities and municipalities have additional restrictions on stun guns and tasers, and some even ban them outright as is the case with Ruston.

It is imperative that you investigate all the relevant laws in the places where you live, work and travel before you purchase or commit to carrying a taser as part of your self-defense plan! Violating state or local weapons laws in Washington is going to entail serious charges.

Can You Carry a Taser Openly in Washington?

Yes, you may carry a taser openly in Washington as long as you may be in legal position of it, the device itself is legal, and you obey all relevant local and state laws concerning restricted places.

Can You Carry a Taser Concealed?

Yes, you can. You don’t need a concealed weapons permit to carry a taser or stun gun in the state of Washington as long as you are in lawful possession of the device.

Remember: because a concealed weapons permit is not required does not mean that the relevant concealed weapons laws, particularly those concerning restricted areas, don’t apply to your taser!

Generally speaking, any signs that notify the public or entrants that weapons are forbidden will apply to tasers and stun guns.

Are there Age Restrictions on Taser Ownership or Possession in Washington?

Yes. You have to be at least 18 years old to legally possess or purchase a taser or stun gun in Washington. Note that municipal laws may mandate that purchasers or possessors of these devices be older.

You’re going to get tired of me reminding you before this article is over, but once again make sure you check those local laws reader!

What Do You Need to Do to Buy One?

To purchase a taser in Washington you’ll need to find a dealer and then follow their instructions.

Note that requirements are going to be different depending on the city where you are purchasing, and some cities have laws against the sale of tasers and stun guns, like Ruston above.

Also, Washington State’s laws concerning the possession of dangerous weapons and other weapons by felons apply to tasers.

Is Training Mandatory for Taser Ownership in Washington?

No, training is not mandatory, at least at the state level, for the purchase and possession of a taser or stun gun for self-defense. Likewise, you don’t have to undergo any training to obtain a concealed weapons permit if you want to carry either openly or concealed.

Where Can You Carry a Taser in Washington?

There are lots of places you cannot take a taser with you in Washington. The short list is that you cannot carry it into:

• ❌ any government building, including the post office or any other government office,
• ❌ into any courthouse or courtroom,
• ❌ into any medical or treatment facility,
• ❌ or into any other place where weapons are expressly forbidden, such as a secured area of an airport or seaport.

Also, you cannot carry your taser onto the grounds of or into the building of any school as detailed in 9.41.280.

An excerpt is below, but note that that is a very lengthy statute and you should read all of it, especially if you’re planning on using a taser for self-defense as a student or employee of a school.

RCW 9.41.280 Possessing dangerous weapons on school facilities — Penalty — Exceptions.

(1) It is unlawful for a person to knowingly carry onto, or to possess on, public or private elementary or secondary school premises, school-provided transportation, areas of facilities while being used exclusively by public or private schools, or areas of facilities while being used for official meetings of a school district board of directors:

…

(b) Any other dangerous weapon as defined in RCW 9.41.250;

…

(f)(i) Any portable device manufactured to function as a weapon and which is commonly known as a stun gun, including a projectile stun gun which projects wired probes that are attached to the device that emit an electrical charge designed to administer to a person or an animal an electric shock, charge, or impulse; or

(ii) Any device, object, or instrument which is used or intended to be used as a weapon with the intent to injure a person by an electric shock, charge, or impulse.

(2) Any such person violating subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. Second and subsequent violations of subsection (1) of this section are a gross misdemeanor.(…)

When Can You Use a Taser to Defend Yourself in Washington?

The only time you can use a taser against someone else in Washington is in a case of legitimate need of self-defense, and specifically self-defense against a threat of death or great bodily injury.

You can never use your taser on someone to win an argument, because they insulted you or because they are merely harassing you.

The popular notion of tasers and stun guns is that they’re non-lethal weapons, but this isn’t quite true.

In fact, it isn’t true at all: tasers and stun guns are more properly classified as less lethal weapons, meaning less likely to inflict lethal harm or great bodily injury. Make no mistake, they still can!

Accordingly, you should only deploy your taser in defense against a genuine threat…

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