Last Updated: June 2026 | This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rhode Island stun gun law is evolving — verify current requirements with your local police department or a Rhode Island-licensed attorney before purchasing.
Are stun guns legal in Rhode Island? Yes — stun guns are legal for civilian ownership in Rhode Island. The state's criminal code at R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-42 still lists stun guns as a prohibited weapon, but that prohibition is permanently unenforceable following a 2022 federal court ruling.
In O'Neil v. Neronha (D.R.I. March 15, 2022), a federal district court found Rhode Island's blanket ban on stun guns unconstitutional under the Second Amendment, and permanently enjoined the state from enforcing it. The legislature has not yet repealed or replaced the old statute, leaving Rhode Island stun gun law in a legal gray area that several pending bills are attempting to formalize.
What This Means for Rhode Island Buyers
- Home Ownership: Possessing a stun gun in your home for self-defense is legal. The court ruling protects this right directly.
- Public Carry: This is the unresolved area. Rhode Island has not passed stun-gun-specific carry legislation. Whether public carry of a stun gun requires a concealed carry permit — the same permit required for handguns — has not been definitively answered by the legislature or courts. Until the legislature acts, carrying a stun gun in public should be treated with caution. If you hold a Rhode Island License to Carry Concealed Weapons (LCCW), that likely covers stun gun carry, but consult local law enforcement or an attorney to confirm.
- Prohibited Persons: Individuals with felony convictions or certain domestic violence offenses are barred from possessing weapons under both state and federal law.
- Pending Legislation: Bills introduced in 2025 (H5933, H5934) would formally establish that persons 18+ with a license or permit may carry a stun gun. As of June 2026 these bills have not passed. Monitor webserver.rilegislature.gov for updates.
Can TBOTECH Ship Stun Guns to Rhode Island?
Yes. Because the court permanently struck down enforcement of the stun gun ban, TBOTECH ships stun guns and personal defense devices directly to all Rhode Island residential addresses with no special requirements.
Shop Personal Defense Gear for Rhode Island
- Stun Guns: Browse our full catalog of self-defense stun guns — legal for home ownership statewide.
- Tactical Flashlight Stun Guns: A discreet and practical option for everyday carry. View our flashlight stun guns.
- Pepper Spray: No permit required, legal for public carry statewide. Browse our pepper sprays and gels.