Gun laws in Utah

Utah allows for open carry of unloaded firearms without a concealed firearm permit. "Unloaded" as it applies here, means that there is no round in the firing position (or chamber),[5] and the firearm is at least two "mechanical actions" from firing.[6] As carrying the firearm with the chamber empty, but with a full magazine, meets this definition (the handler must chamber a round, and then pull the trigger), this is a common work around for Utah residents who do not wish to acquire a permit. Without the permit, the firearm must be clearly visible. Open carry of a loaded pistol without a permit is now allowed for anyone age 21 and up.

Utah does not require a permit to carry a concealed or open firearm. As of May 5, 2021 anyone over the age of 21 resident or nonresident may concealed or open carry permitless.[7] Utah does not require concealed carry permit holders to notify police officers of their permit or possession of firearms when stopped by police officers, but the state Bureau of Criminal Identification recommends doing so "for the safety of all involved" and to give the officer "some assurance they are most likely dealing with a law abiding citizen."[8]

Utah law allows for a "Non-Resident" Concealed Firearm Permits to be issued. The Utah Concealed Firearm Permit is valid in thirty-four states across the US. However there are several states that have passed statutes that do not honor a "Non-Resident" permit. For example, Colorado will honor Utah's permit, but the permittee must be a resident of Utah for his permit to be valid. Utah concealed firearm permits are "shall issue" and will be issued to anyone meeting the requirements.

Utah is a "Castle Doctrine" state, in which there is no duty to retreat before use of deadly force, if the person reasonably believes that a perpetrator is going to commit a forcible felony in the habitation*, and that the force is necessary to prevent the commission of the felony. Since burglary is itself a forcible felony, it is legal to use deadly force to stop a burglar. [9]

In Utah a person may carry firearms in some places not allowed by some other states, including banks, bar, and state parks. With a permit, you may also carry in schools (K-12) and state Universities. Utah's Uniform Firearm Laws expressly prohibits public schools from enacting or enforcing any rule pertaining to firearms.[10] Utah requires public schools to allow lawful firearms possession.[11]

Utah is a shall issue state for permits for the concealed carry of firearms. Utah law states "The bureau shall issue a permit to carry a concealed firearm for lawful self defense to an applicant who is 21 years of age or older within 60 days after receiving an application, unless the bureau finds proof that the applicant does not meet the qualifications set forth".[13] Permits are issued to both Utah residents and non residents. Applicants between 18 and 20 may obtain a provisional permit.[14]

Persons convicted of a felony, any crime of violence, any offense involving alcohol, any offense involving the unlawful use of narcotics or other controlled substances, any offense involving moral turpitude, any offense involving domestic violence, or persons found by any court to be mentally incompetent are automatically barred from being issued a permit. Any person barred by state or federal law from possessing a firearm may not be issued a permit.

Additionally, "The bureau may deny, suspend, or revoke a concealed firearm permit if it has reasonable cause to believe that the applicant or permit holder has been or is a danger to self or others as demonstrated by evidence".[13] Examples of such evidence include "past pattern of behavior involving unlawful violence or threats of unlawful violence" or "past participation in incidents involving unlawful violence or threats of unlawful violence". In determining whether the applicant or permit holder has been or is a danger to self or others, the bureau may inspect expunged records of arrests and convictions of adults, and juvenile court records.

However, Utah law also states that "The bureau may not deny, suspend, or revoke a concealed firearm permit solely for a single conviction for an infraction violation of Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 5, Weapons".

Permit holders may appeal a permit suspension, denial or revocation. Utah law states that "In the event of a denial, suspension, or revocation of a permit, the applicant or permit holder may file a petition for review with the board within 60 days from the date the denial, suspension, or revocation is received by the applicant or permit holder".[13]

Carrying a firearm with the intent to unlawfully assault another is a class A misdemeanor under Utah law.

Drawing or exhibiting a firearm in an angry and threatening manner, or unlawfully using a dangerous weapon in a fight or quarrel in the presence of two or more persons is a class A misdemeanor. This law does not apply when firearms are properly used in self-defense.

Negligently discharging a firearm in a manner that disturbs the peace or could damage or harm public or private property is a class B misdemeanor. Discharging a firearm in a manner that significantly endangers any person, or discharging a firearm into any habitable structure is third degree felony. If bodily injury to any person results from such negligent discharge, the offense can be elevated/enhanced to a second or first degree felony, depending upon the severity of the bodily injury or harm caused by the negligent discharge.

Any person who carries a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.

Article I, Section 6, of the Constitution of the State of Utah 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."

Some counties have adopted Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions.[19]