Is a stun gun or taser legal in Slovenia?
As an adult you may own a contact electric stun gun without a permit, whereas a taser that works at a distance by firing darts is prohibited. The Weapons Act (ZOro-1) distinguishes two kinds. A contact stun gun that does not work at a distance is a category D weapon that an adult acquires and possesses without a weapons document, but may use only in self-defence. By contrast, an electric taser that works at a distance by firing darts or similar projectiles is classed as a prohibited weapon that individuals, legal entities and sole traders may not acquire or possess. The myth that 'all tasers are allowed' or 'all are banned' does not hold – the line lies in whether the device works on contact or fires at a distance. Unlawful possession of or trade in a prohibited taser is a criminal offence under Article 307 of the Criminal Code (KZ-1).
📋 The rules
- A contact stun gun (which does not work at a distance) is a category D weapon that an adult acquires and possesses without a weapons document.
- A dart-firing taser that shoots darts or similar projectiles is a prohibited weapon; individuals and legal entities may not acquire or own it.
- Use of a contact stun gun is permissible only in self-defence – as a necessary and proportionate defence against a simultaneous unlawful attack.
- Selling or handing a stun gun to a minor is not allowed; the tool is meant for adults for personal self-defence.
- Unlawful possession of or trade in a prohibited taser is a criminal offence under Article 307 of KZ-1 (six months to five years in prison).
🔓 Exceptions
- The police and authorised officials may use electric tasers within their powers; this does not apply to civilians.
- Using a stun gun in actual self-defence is not unlawful, as long as it is necessary and proportionate to the attack.
- Exceeding the limits of self-defence (using it against an incapacitated or fleeing attacker) is punishable, though with strong fear or agitation the court may reduce or remit the penalty.
⚠️ Penalties & fines
With stun guns everything depends on the type of device. Owning a contact stun gun is not an offence for an adult, as it is a freely available category D weapon. It is entirely different with a dart-firing taser: this is a prohibited weapon, so unlawful acquisition, possession or trade amounts to a criminal offence of unlawful manufacture of and trade in weapons under Article 307 of KZ-1, carrying six months to five years in prison, and the weapon is seized. Anyone who uses a contact stun gun outside self-defence – against a non-aggressive person, out of revenge or in an argument – unlawfully uses a weapon against a person and is liable for an offence or for bodily harm or violence. Selling to a minor breaches the Weapons Act. If use in self-defence exceeds the limits of necessary defence, criminal liability is not excluded, though the penalty may be lighter. On top of this you risk a damages claim from the injured party and seizure of the device.
📎 Official sources
- PISRS · register of legislation (Weapons Act, ZOro-1, prohibited weapons) →
- PISRS · Criminal Code (KZ-1, Article 307) →
- Police · weapons and self-defence tools →
❓ Frequently asked
Is a stun device legal in Slovenia?
A contact stun gun that does not work at a distance is legal and an adult may own it without a weapons document. A taser that fires darts at a distance, however, is a prohibited weapon that individuals may not acquire or possess.
What is the difference between a stun gun and a taser?
A contact stun gun works only on direct contact and is a freely available category D weapon. A taser works at a distance by firing darts or similar projectiles and is classed as a prohibited weapon, so it is not allowed for civilians.
Do I need a permit for a contact stun gun?
No, an adult may acquire and own a contact stun gun without a weapons document, as it is a category D weapon. Selling to a minor is not allowed, and use is permissible only within self-defence against a simultaneous attack.
What do I risk if I own a dart-firing taser?
As a dart-firing taser is a prohibited weapon, unlawful possession or trade amounts to a criminal offence under Article 307 of the Criminal Code, carrying six months to five years in prison. The weapon is seized, and a criminal record has long-term consequences.
May I use a stun gun for self-defence?
Use of a contact stun gun is permissible only in self-defence, that is as a necessary and proportionate defence against a simultaneous unlawful attack. Use against a non-aggressive person or exceeding the limits of self-defence is punishable, and you also risk a damages claim.
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