Carrying a Gun in Your Car in Utah: Vehicle Carry Laws

Carrying Firearms in Vehicles in Utah

Governing Statute

Utah Code § 53-5a-102.2 — Open and concealed carry of a firearm outside of an individual's residence (Effective 5/7/2025)

Overview

Utah law permits individuals to carry firearms in vehicles under specific conditions based on age and permit status. The statute was enacted by Chapter 208, 2025 General Session.

Rules by Age and Permit Status

Individuals 18–20 Years Old (Without a Provisional Concealed Carry Permit)

Under § 53-5a-102.2(1)(a), an individual 18 years old or older but younger than 21 years old without a provisional concealed carry permit issued under § 53-5a-305 may only carry in an open manner in a vehicle in which the individual is lawfully present:

• An unloaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle
• An unloaded or loaded handgun

Individuals 21 Years Old or Older (Without a Concealed Carry Permit)

Under § 53-5a-102.2(1)(b), an individual 21 years old or older may open or conceal carry, without a concealed carry permit, in a vehicle in which the individual is lawfully present:

• An unloaded or loaded handgun
• An unloaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle

Individuals 18+ With a Concealed Carry Permit

Under § 53-5a-102.2(1)(c), an individual 18 years old or older with a concealed carry permit issued under § 53-5a-303, a temporary concealed carry permit issued under § 53-5a-304, a provisional concealed carry permit issued under § 53-5a-305, or a concealed carry permit lawfully issued by or in another state, may open or conceal carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in a vehicle in which the individual is lawfully present.

Definition of "Lawfully Present" in a Vehicle

Per § 53-5a-102.2(4), an individual is lawfully present in a vehicle while carrying a firearm if:

• The vehicle is in the lawful possession of the individual; or
• The individual has the consent of the person lawfully in possession of the vehicle to carry the firearm in the vehicle.

Vehicle Owner's Rights

Per § 53-5a-102.2(3)(a), the statute does not prohibit the owner or lawful possessor of a vehicle from prohibiting another individual from carrying a firearm in the owner's or lawful possessor's vehicle.

Prohibited Locations (Apply Even When Traveling)

For Individuals Without a Concealed Carry Permit

Open carriers under (1)(a) or (1)(b), per § 53-5a-102.2(2)(a), and concealed carriers 21+ without a permit under (1)(b), per § 53-5a-102.2(2)(b), may not carry firearms in the following locations:

• Secure areas where dangerous weapons are prohibited with posted notice (§ 76-8-311.1)
• On or about the premises of public or private elementary or secondary schools (§ 76-11-205)
• On or about the premises of institutions of higher education (§ 76-11-205.5)
• On or about the premises of a daycare (§ 76-11-206)
• Airport secure areas (§ 76-11-218)
• Houses of worship or private residences where dangerous weapons are prohibited (§ 76-11-219)
• Any other place prohibited by state statute or federal law

For Individuals With a Concealed Carry Permit

Per § 53-5a-102.2(2)(c), individuals with a concealed carry permit under (1)(c) may not carry a firearm in any manner in:

• Secure areas where dangerous weapons are prohibited with posted notice (§ 76-8-311.1)
• Airport secure areas (§ 76-11-218)
• Houses of worship or private residences where dangerous weapons are prohibited (§ 76-11-219)
• Any other place prohibited by state statute or federal law

Per § 53-5a-102.2(2)(d), additional restrictions apply to certain permit holders beyond the locations listed in (2)(c):

• An individual 18 years old but younger than 21 with a provisional concealed carry permit under § 53-5a-304 may not carry a firearm in any manner on or about the premises of a public or private elementary or secondary school (§ 76-11-205).
• An individual concealing a firearm only with a concealed carry permit lawfully issued by or in another state may not carry a firearm in any manner:
  • On or about the premises of a public or private elementary or secondary school (§ 76-11-205)
  • On or about the premises of an institution of higher education (§ 76-11-205.5)
  • On or about the premises of a daycare (§ 76-11-206)

Pending Legislation

Proposed 2026 General Session legislation that may affect § 53-5a-102.2 includes: H.B. 84 (and substitutes), H.B. 166, H.B. 180 (and substitutes), and S.B. 260.