Gun laws in Utah

Map_of_USA_UT

Gun laws in Utah

Gun laws in Utah regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the state of Utah in the United States. Utah's gun laws are considered to be among the most permissive in the country.

Constitutional Provision[edit | edit source]

The Utah State Constitution provides that "The individual right of the people to keep and bear arms for security and defense of self, family, others, property, or the state, as well as for other lawful purposes shall not be infringed; but nothing herein shall prevent the legislature from defining the lawful use of arms."

Concealed Carry[edit | edit source]

Utah is a "shall-issue" state for concealed carry permits. The Utah Department of Public Safety is responsible for issuing concealed firearm permits. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, complete a firearms familiarity course certified by the state, and pass a background check. Utah also recognizes concealed carry permits from all other states.

Open Carry[edit | edit source]

Open carry of firearms is legal in Utah without a permit, provided the firearm is at least two actions away from being fired (e.g., the chamber is empty and the magazine is removed). However, a person must have a concealed firearm permit to carry a loaded firearm openly.

Firearm Sales and Transfers[edit | edit source]

All firearm sales, including private sales, must be conducted through a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) who will conduct a background check on the buyer. There is no waiting period for firearm purchases in Utah.

Prohibited Persons[edit | edit source]

Certain individuals are prohibited from possessing firearms in Utah, including those convicted of a felony, individuals with a history of drug addiction, and those who have been adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution.

Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground[edit | edit source]

Utah has a Castle Doctrine law and a Stand Your Ground law. The Castle Doctrine allows individuals to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves against an intruder in their home. The Stand Your Ground law permits individuals to use force without retreating if they are in a place where they have a legal right to be and they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm.

Preemption[edit | edit source]

Utah has a state preemption law that prevents local governments from enacting their own gun control ordinances. This means that gun laws are uniform throughout the state.