Tasers, or stun guns, are portable electrical machines that give out an electric current that incapacitates a person only by causing uneasiness and muscle jerking. Different countries have varied laws on whether ordinary people can possess such weapons.
There are places where possessing or even using a stun gun is banned while in others there are little or no restrictions to their purchase and use. This article will discuss what countries are stun guns illegal for civilians to own or possess stun guns under any circumstance.
Stun Gun Laws in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has some of the strictest laws on stun guns in the world. Under the Firearms Act of 1968, stun guns are classified as “prohibited weapons” in the UK. It is illegal for civilians to purchase, possess, or use stun guns without proper licensing from the government. Only authorized military and law enforcement personnel can legally carry and use stun guns in carefully regulated situations where other force options are not appropriate.
The penalties for unlawful possession of a stun gun by a private citizen in the UK are severe. Offenders can face up to 10 years in prison as well as potentially unlimited fines. The UK government considers stun guns to be dangerous weapons that pose a threat to public safety when in the hands of civilians.
Stun Gun Laws in Australia
Like the UK, Australia also takes a hardline stance on prohibiting civilian access to stun guns. Under the Weapons Prohibition Act of 1998, stun guns are classified as “prohibited weapons” and can only be legally possessed and used with a special permit. Permits are rarely granted to private citizens.
Unlawful possession of a stun gun in Australia can result in heavy fines and up to 14 years in prison. Exceptions exist for military, law enforcement, and other authorized personnel to use stun guns for official duties only. Overall, Australia strictly limits access to stun guns to prevent their misuse by civilians.
Stun Gun Laws in Canada
Canada’s Criminal Code completely prohibits the possession, use, and sale of stun guns by civilians. Carrying a stun gun is a serious criminal offence that can lead to up to 10 years in prison for offenders.
Like the UK and Australia, Canada makes exceptions only for law enforcement, military, and select other personnel to use stun guns when necessary for their job duties. Civilian possession is banned, even with a permit, due to concerns over public safety and misuse.
Stun Gun Laws in European Countries
Most European countries have banned or severely limited civilian access to stun guns. Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and others classify stun guns as restricted firearms subject to stringent regulations.
In many cases, civilians cannot legally purchase or possess stun guns at all. Violators face fines, confiscation of the weapon, and even imprisonment of up to 10 years in some countries. Exceptions exist only for law enforcement and military personnel requiring stun guns for their official work.
Stun Gun Laws in Asia and South America
Some major countries in Asia and South America also restrict civilian access to stun guns. In Brazil, possession and use of stun guns by private citizens is prohibited. Japan also bans civilian ownership of stun guns under its Firearms and Swords Control Law.
Other nations like India, Thailand, and the Philippines have tighter regulations that make it difficult, but not necessarily illegal, for civilians to obtain stun guns. Overall, most countries in these regions take a cautious approach to limiting public access to stun guns.
Conclusion
Many countries in the world still maintain a ban on stun guns. If you are wondering what countries are stun guns illegal, then these include Britain, Australia, Canada, Europe, and some parts of Asia and South America, individuals are not allowed to carry or use this device without being authorized by law. In most cases, violators can be fined or jailed for a long term which may last for many years if found guilty and some of their property may also be seized by the government. To those governments who value public security in these countries; it is crucial to limit people’s access to these batons so that they can only be availed by government agents.
