Is It Legal To Carry A Taser In Iowa?
This past week we learned about the gun silencer regulations in Iowa and today we're talking about another device you might want to use for protection. At least I hope it's for protection and not just some drunken party trick device. I had this friend in college...that's a story for a different time. Can you legally carry around a taser in Iowa?
Depending on how much you'd want to spend, tasers are relatively affordable devices According to The Home Security Superstore, the tasers used by police officers cost around $400 but they can also range up to $1,500. Regular tasers can be as low as $9 and up to $80. It all depends on the size and power you'd like.
Iowa Taser Laws
According to Stun-Gun-Defense Products, "the sale and possession of a taser is legal in Iowa, except in Denison/Crawford counties, where they are illegal and prohibited." Now, if you would like to openly possess a taser and carry it on your person, there is a process you'd need to complete before walking around with one in public.
According to Stun-Gun-Defense Products, in Iowa, it is illegal to carry a concealed taser without a concealed weapons permit. The only exception to this would be if you are on your own property. If you are caught carrying a concealed taser in public without a permit, a hefty fine is headed your way. A fine of at least $625 dollars would be the minimum. The worst-case scenario would be a fine of up to $6,250 and up to two years in prison.
This also is a pretty obvious rule but the article also states that it is illegal to carry a taser with the intent to use it on another person, without justification. If you use a taser in a threatening manner on another person, without justification, you would be considered guilty of assault.
If you'd like to possess a taser, in most of Iowa, it is perfectly legal. It's important to remember to only use it when necessary. Just ask these Academy 84 Nevada DSP cadets. Ouch!
*WARNING* This is a training video that shows taser use on police cadets. View at your discretion.