No, tasers are not illegal in Michigan. But that doesn’t mean anyone can buy one and carry it out in the open. Nah! That’s not how it goes. Instead, there are specific requirements set by the state that you must follow fully to either own or carry a taser. So, if you don’t know much about that yet, then just keep on reading just to stay on the right side of the law.
Tasers vs. Stun Guns: What’s the Difference?
Many people still think that tasers and stun guns are the same thing, but nah, that’s not actually true, in reality, these are two different devices. To go more into the details or definitions, well, a taser has the ability to function at a distance. It launches two little darts that are connected with wires and sends an electric shock that temporarily blocks muscle control. A stun gun, on the other hand, is a device working only on direct contact, and it must be pressed against the person to deliver the shock.
In terms of Michigan law, both are considered electric self-defense weapons. For this reason, the legislation is more concerned with who is carrying the device and how it is being used rather than the actual name.
How Michigan Law Changed
It is true that before all this, yes, civilians in Michigan were completely limited or prohibited from not just carrying but even possessing taser or stun guns. Like, back then, yes, most of the time, these devices were only allowed for use by law enforcement officers. However, a court in Michigan changed the situation in 2012, when it declared that the total ban was not in accordance with the Constitution. The court held that the right to self-defense also covers certain non-lethal weapons.
Following that ruling, Michigan made its laws more consistent. Tasers were not completely banned anymore, but they were not legalized for everyone either. Rather, the state introduced strict requirements for the legal possession and carrying of tasers. A significant portion of the regulations in force today has originated from that change.
Are Tasers Legal in Michigan?
In Michigan, the use of tasers is permissible but only under the fulfillment of certain legal criteria. They are not legal in the first place. It is not allowed to just purchase one and carry it without complying with the law. Michigan regulates tasers as weapons, not as normal self-defense tools.
Adhering strictly to the regulations, a person with a taser can be lawful. Otherwise, you might be liable to heavy criminal prosecution. For this reason, getting a proper knowledge of the law is of great importance.
CPL Requirement
The Michigan state law is very clear in that carrying a taser legally does need a permit, even though they are not firearms. So, the law has decided that such a requirement will also be imposed on tasers. Being without a CPL and in possession of a taser means you can be charged with a felony.
One of the steps that has to be taken when acquiring a CPL is a background check, besides fulfilling the criteria of being a suitable candidate. The use of a firearm being forbidden in your case carries along with it, in most cases, the prohibition against carrying a taser.
Training Is Required
In fact, Michigan mandates proper training for the use of tasers as well. And as you must have already suspected this, yes, training gives a good rundown on how the device functions, and other than that, they also go over the legal conditions of its usage as well. Plus, there are potential risks or dangers involved that are also explained to the trainee.
