Understanding Taser Legality in New Jersey

Okay Socialites out there, it’s time we chat about the legality of Tasers in the great state of New Jersey. Now, as we all know, NJ is not big on self-protection as we all would like it to be. So it’s important to know how to navigate the law and stay within the limits of the state (and one step ahead of potential criminals) while not having to break the bank to do so.

When it comes to the legality of Tasers in NJ, as long as you adhere to the laws and ordinances specific to the town that you live in, Tasers can be legally owned as self-defense tools as long as the voltage of the Taser is 5,000 volts or less. However, NJ also has some laws on where someone can carry a Taser (i.e. not to carry into schools, government buildings, or airports, etc) so it’s wise to know your local ordinances, review NJ’s governing statutes, and check in with town officials on any limitations specific to where you live or work to ensure that you are following the letter of the law.

Now, how does owning a Taser fit into a budget friendly lifestyle? For me, it’s all about making sure that I don’t become a victim of a crime and have to dish out thousands of dollars in medical expenses, not to mention being saddled with the threat of ongoing security issues, bodily injury or worse. Beyond that, there are the more costly damages associated with filing claims with your insurance companies (you know, the ones which are supposed to be there to help us not add to our own grief at a time of crisis) or having to hire, pay and then sue an attorney because your own life was put at risk. Not to mention, beyond the thousands and tens of thousands of dollars that can be spent after a crime has impacted your life, what about the loss of your personal items, your job, your freedom or worse, your life? So protecting myself is high on my list of budget priorities, and a major aspect of that belief in protecting yourself is having the right self-defense tools and resources readily available.

So, if you think a Taser is the right self-defense tool for you, you might be asking yourself, how do I go about getting one legally?

First, you can look online at local and national websites that specialize in selling Tasers to check for inexpensive options. Keep in mind that you may be required to take an online class or in-person class in order to be granted access (in states other than New Jersey, because NJ does not require additional training to own a Taser) and to obtain your Taser and Tasers may ship directly to your home or to the nearest approved gun shop where you will need to pick it up. Additionally, when purchasing a Taser, you may be required to pay for extra items, such as batteries, holsters or other equipment or in some cases, you can ask for these items to be added to the value of your purchase.

Let’s talk cost – how expensive are Tasers anyway? Well, the price of Tasers varies widely depending upon where you look and the type of Taser you choose. In other words, you can buy a used or refurbished Taser for less than $100 or you can spend $300-$400 on a brand new Taser or get an entire self-protection package for upwards of $800 or more.

But don’t be fooled, it’s not about the price, but about knowing how to obtain a Taser legally and using it legally. According to the comprehensive overview of Taser legality in New Jersey, there has been no major recent updates or changes in Taser legislation in New Jersey, but it’s important to always stay informed about changes in laws and ordinances.

I’d love to hear some of your own personal experiences using Tasers, your experiences with other self-defense tools and your personal views on what works best for you in the fight for protection.