Utah Open Carry Laws

Utah Open Carry Laws

Legal Framework

Utah's open carry laws are governed primarily by Utah Code § 53-5a-102.2, titled "Open and concealed carry of a firearm outside of an individual's residence," which became effective May 7, 2025 (enacted by Chapter 208, 2025 General Session).

The statute explicitly references the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Utah Constitution, Article I, Section 6, which "prohibit the infringement of the right of the people of Utah to keep and bear arms for security and defense of self, family, others, property, or the state, as well as for other lawful purposes."

Open Carry by Age Group

Individuals 18–20 Years Old (Without a Provisional 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 carry permit may only carry in an open manner:

• An unloaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in a vehicle in which the individual is lawfully present
• An unloaded or loaded handgun in a vehicle in which the individual is lawfully present
• An unloaded firearm that the individual may otherwise lawfully carry, on a public street

Individuals 21 Years Old or Older (Without a 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:

• An unloaded or loaded firearm on a public street or in any other place not prohibited by state statute or federal law
• An unloaded or loaded handgun in a vehicle in which the individual is lawfully present
• An unloaded rifle, shotgun, or muzzle-loading rifle in a vehicle in which the individual is lawfully present

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), temporary concealed carry permit (§ 53-5a-304), provisional concealed carry permit (§ 53-5a-305), or a concealed carry permit lawfully issued by another state, may open or conceal carry a loaded or unloaded firearm:

• In a vehicle in which the individual is lawfully present
• On a public street
• In any other place not prohibited by state statute or federal law

Prohibited Locations for Open Carry

For Individuals Without a Concealed Carry Permit (Open or Concealed Carry)

Under § 53-5a-102.2(2)(a) and (2)(b), individuals carrying without a permit may not carry a firearm in the following locations:

1. Secure areas established under § 76-8-311.1 where dangerous weapons are prohibited and notice is posted
2. Public or private elementary or secondary schools (§ 76-11-205)
3. Institutions of higher education (§ 76-11-205.5)
4. Daycare premises (§ 76-11-206)
5. Airport secure areas (§ 76-11-218)
6. Houses of worship or private residences where dangerous weapons are prohibited and notice is given/posted (§ 76-11-219)
7. Any other place prohibited by state statute or federal law

For Concealed Carry Permit Holders

Under § 53-5a-102.2(2)(c), permit holders may not carry a firearm in any manner in:

1. Secure areas under § 76-8-311.1 where dangerous weapons are prohibited and notice is posted
2. Airport secure areas (§ 76-11-218)
3. Houses of worship or private residences where dangerous weapons are prohibited (§ 76-11-219)
4. Any other place prohibited by state statute or federal law

Note: Concealed carry permit holders have fewer location restrictions than those carrying without a permit — notably, Utah-issued permit holders are generally permitted to carry on school premises, at institutions of higher education, and at daycares, while non-permit holders are not.

Additional Restrictions for Specific Permit Types

Under § 53-5a-102.2(2)(d):

• Individuals 18–20 years old with a provisional concealed carry permit (referenced in the statute under § 53-5a-304) may not carry in any manner on or about the premises of public or private elementary or secondary schools
• Individuals carrying only with a concealed carry permit issued by another state may not carry in any manner on or about the premises of:
  • Public or private elementary or secondary schools
  • Institutions of higher education
  • Daycares

Private Property Rights

Under § 53-5a-102.2(3), the open carry statute does not prohibit:

• The owner or lawful possessor of a vehicle from prohibiting another individual from carrying a firearm in the vehicle
• The owner or lawful lessee of private real property from prohibiting another individual from possessing a firearm on the property (subject to exceptions in § 53-5a-102.3)

Vehicle Carry

Under § 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

School Guardian Program and Open Carry Restrictions

Under the School Security Act (Title 53, Chapter 22), the school guardian program established in § 53-22-105 (effective May 7, 2025) provides that school guardians participating in the program:

• Must carry their firearm in a concealed manner (§ 53-22-105(5)(b))
• May not display or open carry a firearm while on school grounds unless during an active threat (§ 53-22-105(5)(c))

This restriction applies specifically to designated school guardians; it does not prohibit individuals with valid concealed carry permits who are not in the program from carrying on school grounds as otherwise permitted under § 76-11-205(4) (see § 53-22-105(6)).

Key Considerations

• No permit required for open carry for individuals 21 and older, though location restrictions apply
• 18–20 year olds without a provisional carry permit are limited to open carry of unloaded firearms on public streets
• Intoxication: It is illegal to be intoxicated and in possession of a firearm; the threshold is the same as for driving (0.05 BAC)
• No duty to inform: There is no legal requirement to inform a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a firearm, though it is recommended for safety
• Mask and carry: Utah law has no prohibition against carrying a firearm (open or concealed) while wearing a mask

Pending Legislation

As of the source date, 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.