Utah has a strong state preemption law that reserves the authority to regulate firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories to the state legislature....
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
Utah has a strong state preemption law that reserves the authority to regulate firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories to the state legislature. This is codified in Utah Code § 53-5a-102 (effective 5/7/2025).
The Legislature explicitly recognizes the individual right to keep and bear arms as a constitutionally protected right under both:
Full Field Preemption: The Legislature declares that it "occupies the whole field of state regulation of firearms" and finds the need to provide uniform civil and criminal firearm laws throughout the state (§ 53-5a-102(1)).
Restrictions on Local and State Governmental Entities: Except as specifically provided by state law, a local or state governmental entity may not:
Uniform Application: The firearm laws under Part 1 of Chapter 5a and Title 76, Chapter 11 (Weapons) are uniformly applicable throughout the state and in all political subdivisions of the state (§ 53-5a-102(3)).
Reservation of Authority: Authority to regulate firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories is reserved to the state except where the Legislature specifically delegates responsibility to local or state governmental entities (§ 53-5a-102(4)).
Broad Prohibition on Local Regulation: Unless specifically authorized by the Legislature by statute, a local or state governmental entity may not enact, establish, or enforce a directive pertaining to firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories that in any way inhibits or restricts the possession, ownership, purchase, sale, transfer, transport, or use of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories on either public or private property (§ 53-5a-102(5)).
The preemption statute does not restrict or expand private property rights (§ 53-5a-102(6)).
Violations of the preemption law are subject to the Firearm Preemption Enforcement Act (Title 78B, Chapter 6, Part 23) (§ 53-5a-102(7)).
This section was amended by Chapter 173 and Chapter 208 of the 2025 General Session, with an effective date of May 7, 2025.
This page covers one part of our Utah concealed carry guide.
Read the complete Utah guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.