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Taser and Stun Gun Laws in South Dakota

The rules on tasers and stun guns in South Dakota: who may own and carry them, where they are banned, and the penalties, from the state code.

Short answer: South Dakota does not ban owning stun guns, but its criminal code lists a stun gun as a "dangerous weapon" (a stun gun is defined as a battery-powered, pulsed electrical device of high voltage and low or no amperage that can disrupt the central nervous system and cause temporary loss of… SDCL §§ 22-1-2(10), 22-1-2(50), 22-14-23, 13-32-7, 22-6-2

Tasers and stun gunsSouth Dakota does not ban owning stun guns, but its criminal code lists a stun gun as a "dangerous weapon" (a stun gun is defined as a battery-powered, pulsed electrical device of high voltage and low or no amperage that can disrupt the central nervous system and cause temporary loss of voluntary muscle control). Because of that, the dangerous-weapon place bans apply: knowingly possessing a dangerous weapon in a county courthouse or the state capitol is a Class 1 misdemeanor (with listed exceptions), and intentionally carrying or possessing a dangerous weapon on public elementary or secondary school premises, vehicles or buildings is a Class 1 misdemeanor (with listed exceptions). A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to one year in county jail, a $2,000 fine, or both.
Courthouse: https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/22-14-23.html ; schools: https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/13-32-7.html ; misdemeanor penalty: https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/22-6-2.html

More South Dakota criminal law

FAQ

Are Tasers and stun guns legal in South Dakota?
South Dakota does not ban owning stun guns, but its criminal code lists a stun gun as a "dangerous weapon" (a stun gun is defined as a battery-powered, pulsed electrical device of high voltage and low or no amperage that can disrupt the central nervous system and cause temporary loss of voluntary muscle control). Because of that, the dangerous-weapon place bans apply: knowingly possessing a dangerous weapon in a county courthouse or the state capitol is a Class 1 misdemeanor (with listed exceptions), and intentionally carrying or possessing a dangerous weapon on public elementary or secondary school premises, vehicles or buildings is a Class 1 misdemeanor (with listed exceptions). A Class 1 misdemeanor carries up to one year in county jail, a $2,000 fine, or both.

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.