Knives and pepper spray in Utah (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Utah's offences for carrying a dangerous weapon, defined as a firearm or an object capable of causing death or serious bodily injury, apply at elementary and secondary schools, among other places. The concealed-carry offence formerly numbered 76-10-504 covers firearms and does not mention knives.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | The concealed-carry offence in section 76-10-504 applies to a concealed 'firearm'. The section does not mention knives. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Chapter 11 of Title 76 (weapons) does not distinguish folding, locking or one-handed knives. Its offences apply to a 'dangerous weapon', defined as a firearm or an object that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. [2] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | A knife other than a firearm counts as a 'dangerous weapon' depending on factors such as the location and circumstances of possession, the primary purpose for which it was made and the lawful purposes it may serve. Carrying a dangerous weapon that is not a firearm at an elementary or secondary school is a class B misdemeanour. [3] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The school offence does not apply to, among others: an individual exempt under section 53-5a-108; an actor aged 21 or older with a concealed carry permit carrying concealed; carrying at the actor's residence or real property; possession approved by the responsible school administrator; an approved activity; an armed school security guard; or a weapon in a vehicle lawfully under the actor's control. [3] |
Notes
- The text read is an archived copy dated 8 May 2025, effective 1 July 2023 and renumbered on 7 May 2025. Later amendments were not seen.
- No Utah Code provision on pepper spray was found in the sections read.
Sources
- Utah Legislature: Utah Code 76-10-504 Carrying concealed firearm (Internet Archive snapshot of 8 May 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Utah Legislature: Utah Code 76-11-101 Definitions (effective 7 May 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Utah Legislature: Utah Code 76-11-205 Carrying a dangerous weapon at an elementary school or secondary school (effective 6 May 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Utah and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | Concealed-carry offence covers firearms | No separate rule | Offence at schools (class B misdemeanour) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Permit holders 21+, own property, approval |
| Arizona | Concealed pocket knife not an offence | No separate rule; 'pocket knife' not defined | Concealed: offence only if felony, lying or under 21 | ⚠ Not yet verified | Under 21: not an offence at home or own land |
| Colorado | Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade | Only ballistic knives banned outright | Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade | ⚠ Not yet verified | OK at home or business, or in a private vehicle |
| Idaho | Blade 6 in or less is not a 'deadly weapon' | No separate rule; 6 in blade limit | Concealed: allowed for most adult US citizens | Not a 'deadly weapon' | Home, own property, outside cities, plain view, vehicle |
| Nevada | Not named; concealed "dangerous weapon" banned | Banned on school and child care property | No concealed carry without sheriff's permit | Allowed (aerosol up to 2 fl oz) | Sheriff's permit; officers exempt |
| Wyoming | No knife rule; concealed deadly weapon offence | No knife-specific rule | Concealed deadly weapon offence | ⚠ Not yet verified | Officers, permit holders, permitless conditions |
More rules in Utah
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (licence after 6 months on permit) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16; under 14 supervised
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no firecrackers, rockets)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (calls allowed) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.