# 18 Pa.C.S. § 908.1: Use or possession of electric or electronic incapacitation device

> Pennsylvania · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S908.1

## Section

- **Citation:** 18 Pa.C.S. § 908.1
- **Heading:** Use or possession of electric or electronic incapacitation device
- **Jurisdiction:** Pennsylvania
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** PA Code / Title 18 / Chapter 9 / Section 908.1

## Text

(a) Offense defined.--Except as set forth in subsection

(b), a person commits an offense if the person does any of the following:

(1) Uses an electric or electronic incapacitation device on another person for an unlawful purpose.

(2) Possesses, with intent to violate paragraph (1), an electric or electronic incapacitation device.

(b) Self defense.--A person may possess and use an electric or electronic incapacitation device in the exercise of reasonable force in defense of the person or the person's property pursuant to Chapter 5 (relating to general principles of justification) if the electric or electronic incapacitation device is labeled with or accompanied by clearly written instructions as to its use and the damages involved in its use.

(c) Prohibited possession.--No person prohibited from possessing a firearm pursuant to section 6105 (relating to persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms) may possess or use an electric or electronic incapacitation device.

(d) Grading.--An offense under subsection (a) shall constitute a felony of the second degree if the actor acted with the intent to commit a felony. Otherwise any offense under this section is graded as a misdemeanor of the first degree.

(e) Exceptions.--Nothing in this section shall prohibit the possession or use by, or the sale or furnishing of any electric or electronic incapacitation device to, a law enforcement agency, peace officer, employee of a correctional institution, county jail or prison or detention center, the National Guard or reserves or a member of the National Guard or reserves for use in their official duties.

(f) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "electric or electronic incapacitation device" means a portable device which is designed or intended by the manufacturer to be used, offensively or defensively, to temporarily immobilize or incapacitate persons by means of electric pulse or current, including devices operating by means of carbon dioxide propellant. The term does not include cattle prods, electric fences or other electric devices when used in agricultural, animal husbandry or food production activities. (Nov. 6, 2002, P.L.1096, No.132, eff. 60 days) 2002 Amendment. Act 132 added section 908.1.

## Nearby sections

- [18 Pa.C.S. § 9 Application of law.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S9.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 901 Criminal attempt.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S901.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 902 Criminal solicitation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S902.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 903 Criminal conspiracy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S903.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 904 Incapacity, irresponsibility or immunity of party to solicitation or conspiracy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S904.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 905 Grading of criminal attempt, solicitation and conspiracy.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S905.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 906 Multiple convictions of inchoate crimes barred.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S906.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 907 Possessing instruments of crime.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S907.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 908 Prohibited offensive weapons.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S908.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 908.1 Use or possession of electric or electronic incapacitation device.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S908.1.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 909 Manufacture, distribution or possession of master keys for motor vehicles.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S909.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 910 Manufacture, distribution, use or possession of devices for theft of telecommunications services.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S910.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 911 Corrupt organizations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S911.md)
- [18 Pa.C.S. § 912 Possession of weapon on school property.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S912.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T18_C9_S908.1. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.