Maine Stun Gun Laws 2026 | College Student & Campus Guide

Campus Policies at Major Maine Colleges

⚠️ Campus policies change annually. Always verify with your school's student handbook or Dean of Students office before carrying any device.

College	City	Stun Gun	Personal Alarm	Notes & Policy
University of Maine	Orono	❌ Banned	✅ Allowed	UMaine prohibits dangerous weapons on campus including stun guns under its weapons policy. View policy →
Bowdoin College	Brunswick	❌ Banned	✅ Allowed	Bowdoin is a private institution and prohibits all weapons on campus. View policy →
Colby College	Waterville	❌ Banned	✅ Allowed	Colby is a private college and prohibits all weapons on campus. View policy →
Bates College	Lewiston	❌ Banned	✅ Allowed	Bates is a private college and prohibits all weapons on campus. View policy →
University of Southern Maine	Portland	❌ Banned	✅ Allowed	USM prohibits dangerous weapons on campus. View policy →

Maine has simple, permissive stun gun laws — legal for adults 18+ without a permit. Every major Maine university bans them on campus. Personal alarms and pepper spray are the practical everyday carry.

What Maine Law Actually Says

Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A § 1047 permits adults 18+ to possess stun guns without a permit. No size or voltage restrictions. Prohibited on school grounds.

Campus Reality

UMaine, Bowdoin, Colby, Bates, and USM all ban stun guns on campus.

What to Carry Instead

For Maine students, a personal alarm and pepper spray are the right combination. The She's Birdie Personal Alarm is unrestricted everywhere. The SABRE Campus Safety Pepper Gel is the top outdoor carry choice.

Always verify your specific campus policy before carrying any self-defense tool on Maine campus property.

For self-defense tools that are legal on every campus: see our complete dorm safety kit guide and best personal alarms for college students.

Important: Campus policies change. Always verify current pepper spray rules directly with your student's campus police department or housing office before move-in day. State law sets the minimum — individual colleges can be more restrictive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are stun guns legal in Maine?

Yes, for adults 18+ without a permit. Maine Revised Statutes § 17-A § 1047 permits possession.

Can you bring a stun gun to a Maine college campus?

No. UMaine, Bowdoin, Colby, Bates, and USM all ban stun guns on campus.

What self-defense tool is legal on every Maine campus?

A personal alarm is unrestricted on every Maine campus. Pepper spray is also legal for Maine adults 18+ and permitted on most Maine campuses.

What should parents send with Maine college students for safety?

A personal alarm, pepper spray, and dorm door alarm are the three essentials.

Is pepper spray legal in Maine for college students?

Yes. Maine has no restrictions on pepper spray for adults 18+.