Utah Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Utah. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Utah for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, U.C.A.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Utah has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All types and levels are legal.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. Utah does not have specific state-level enhanced sentencing for body armor.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALUtah law prohibits the possession, manufacture, or sale of brass knuckles under Utah Code § 76-10-503. Brass knuckles are classified as a dangerous weapon and are illegal except for law enforcement or military use.
Possession
Illegal to possess except for law enforcement or military.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or purchase.
Penalties
Class A misdemeanor; penalties include fines and imprisonment up to one year.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is prohibited).
Butterfly Knives
RESTRICTEDButterfly knives are legal to possess in Utah, but concealed carry is generally prohibited. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal to own at home
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell
Penalties
Carrying concealed may result in misdemeanor charges.
Age Restriction
18+
Utah permits permitless concealed carry for residents and nonresidents 21 and older who are legally allowed to possess firearms, per Utah Code Ann. § 53-5-704. A permit is still available for reciprocity purposes.
Permitless Carry Rules
Legal for 21+ to carry concealed without a permit; must not be prohibited from firearm possession.
Permit Availability
Sales regulated under Utah Code Title 76; private sales allowed without background checks.
Penalties
Carrying concealed unlawfully is a class B misdemeanor or higher depending on circumstances.
Minimum Age
21 years or older for permitless concealed carry.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Utah with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in Utah with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Utah without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. Utah became a constitutional carry state in 2021, which was the last major change to its carry laws.
Open Carry Rules
Legal without permit for eligible adults
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.).
Minimum Age
18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDUtah permits possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense without a permit. According to Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-505, there are no restrictions on concentration or container size, but use must be reasonable and in self-defense.
Carrying
Legal to possess and carry without a permit.
Purchase
No restrictions on sale.
Penalties
Use outside of self-defense may result in assault charges.
Age Restriction
None
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Utah. State law does not restrict suppressors beyond the federal NFA requirements, and they are legal to sell and possess.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal NFA registration and tax stamp.
Dealer Availability
Legal with federal compliance; no additional state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Utah law restricts the possession and carry of switchblades with blades longer than 3 inches under Utah Code § 76-10-507. Possession is allowed, but carrying concealed switchblades over 3 inches is legal without a permit.
Possession
Legal to possess switchblades.
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase switchblades.
Penalties
Carrying illegal knives can be a class B misdemeanor.
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Utah. No significant legislative changes since the current laws on stun guns and self-defense were enacted.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+