In Utah, like many other states, laws regarding knives are designed to balance personal freedom with public safety. Whether you’re a hunter, outdoors enthusiast, or simply someone who carries a knife for everyday use, understanding your rights and responsibilities surrounding knives in Utah is essential. This guide will help clarify Utah’s knife laws, including what types of knives are legal to own, carry, and use.
What Knives Are Legal to Own in Utah?
In Utah, most knives are legal to own, and there are no statewide restrictions on owning common knives like pocket knives or hunting knives. Here are some key points about knife ownership:
General Ownership: Utah does not impose strict bans on types of knives that individuals can own. Whether you have a folding knife, fixed-blade knife, switchblade, or butterfly knife, owning these knives is generally permitted unless specific local ordinances apply. However, local municipalities in Utah may have their own restrictions regarding knife ownership, so it’s a good idea to check local laws.
Switchblades and Automatic Knives: While these knives are illegal in some states, Utah law allows the ownership of switchblades and automatic-opening knives (also known as automatic knives). However, these knives are restricted in their carry laws (as explained later), so while you can own them, carrying them may be more complicated.
Large Knives: There are no specific size restrictions on knives in Utah. You can own large hunting knives, machetes, or swords, as long as you are abiding by other laws related to carrying them in public.
What About Carrying Knives in Public in Utah?
Carrying a knife in public is subject to stricter rules than ownership. Utah law divides knife carrying into open carry and concealed carry, with different rules for each.
Open Carry:
Open carry of a knife (visible on your person) is generally allowed in Utah. You can openly carry knives like pocket knives, hunting knives, and even large fixed-blade knives.
Switchblades and automatic knives: The law allows the open carry of these knives as long as they are carried visibly and in a manner that is not threatening or dangerous to others.
Concealed Carry:
Carrying a concealed knife (hidden from view) is a bit more restricted. In Utah, concealed carry of a knife is generally legal as long as the knife is not a dangerous weapon as defined by state law.
The concealed carry of switchblades or automatic knives may require a concealed carry permit. This is because these knives are seen as more dangerous and may be subject to more stringent restrictions than typical folding knives.
Dangerous Weapon Laws:
Utah law defines a dangerous weapon as any weapon capable of causing serious injury or death, which includes certain types of knives when carried in a threatening manner. If you carry a knife with the intent to use it for criminal activity or in a way that could cause harm, it could be considered an illegal act, regardless of the knife’s type.
Schools, Government Buildings, and Restricted Areas:
Carrying a knife in specific places such as schools, government buildings, and secure areas is prohibited. In some cases, even having a knife in your vehicle when near these areas could lead to legal consequences.
School zones: Utah law prohibits carrying knives in or around schools. This includes any location within 1,000 feet of school property, unless you are a law enforcement officer or a school official.
Self-Defense and Knives in Utah
Using a knife in self-defense situations is generally allowed in Utah, provided the response is reasonable and proportional to the threat. Self-defense laws in Utah allow individuals to protect themselves using force, including with a knife, if they feel threatened. However, the use of a knife for self-defense must be proportionate to the perceived threat.
Excessive Force: If the response with a knife is seen as excessive, it may not be protected under Utah’s self-defense laws. For example, using a knife against someone who is not an immediate threat could lead to criminal charges.
No Duty to Retreat: Utah’s Stand Your Ground law means that you are not required to retreat if you are faced with a threat. You have the right to defend yourself, even in public places, using reasonable force.
Knife Restrictions in Certain Areas in Utah
Airports: Knives are not allowed in airport terminals, and all knives should be placed in checked luggage before going through security. Even small pocket knives are banned in airport screening areas.
Private Property: Property owners (such as business owners) can set their own rules about whether knives are allowed on their premises. For example, a store owner can refuse entry to someone carrying a visible large knife.
Public Events: Some public events, such as protests or rallies, may have additional restrictions on carrying weapons, including knives. Always check the specific event’s rules for restrictions.
Penalties for Violating Knife Laws in Utah
If you violate Utah’s knife laws, you could face penalties such as:
Fines: Fines for carrying an illegal knife or violating other knife laws can vary depending on the offense.
Criminal Charges: Serious violations, such as carrying a concealed knife without a permit or using a knife in the commission of a crime, can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
In Utah, owning and carrying a knife is generally allowed with certain restrictions. While switchblades, automatic knives, and other types of blades are legal to own, there are rules about concealed carry, school zones, and public places. It’s important to know where you can and cannot carry a knife and what types of knives are permissible in different situations.
To stay compliant with Utah law, always ensure that you are carrying knives in a legal manner and are aware of the local ordinances or restrictions in place. Whether you’re a hunter, outdoors enthusiast, or just someone who carries a knife, understanding Utah’s knife laws will help you avoid legal issues.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/utah/
[2] https://utahcarrylaws.com/laws/utah/knives/
[3] https://publicsafety.utah.edu/home-safety-news/new-rules-for-concealed-weapons-on-campus/
[4] https://www.lee.senate.gov/2025/1/lee-introduces-the-knife-owners-protection-act
[5] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/utah-knife-laws/
