New Jersey’s law on prohibited weapons says that it’s a crime to possess a stun gun, defined as any weapon or device that emits an electrical charge intended to disable a person—a definition that applies to both Tasers and direct-contact stun guns. (Learn more about stun guns and Tasers, including how they work and the evolving law on these weapons.)

However, after a lawsuit was filed challenging New Jersey’s stun-gun ban, the U.S. District Court issued a consent order declaring that the law violated the Second Amendment to the extent that it “outright” prohibited possession of electronic arms. Thus, it could not be enforced. The order was stayed for 180 days to allow New Jersey to enact new laws or regulations that would set reasonable limits on possession and/or carrying of stun guns. (N.J. Stat. §§ 2C:39-1(t), 2C:39-3(h) (2019); New Jersey Second Amendment Soc. v. Porrino, Consent Order, 3:16-CV-04906 (U.S.D.C. N.J. 2017).)

New Jersey did not change its stun-gun law after the consent order. As a result, the prohibition is still on the books, but it’s not enforceable as a crime.

States can change their laws at any time, so it is important to consult an attorney.