Understanding Your Knife Rights in Vermont: A Legal Guide
Vermont’s knife laws are relatively permissive compared to many other states, allowing residents and visitors to carry a wide variety of knives for personal use, work, or recreation. However, there are still some important legal considerations to keep in mind.
Legal Knives in Vermont
As of 2025, Vermont allows the possession and carry of most types of knives, including:
- Pocket knives
- Balisongs (butterfly knives)
- Push knives
- Karambits
- Swords
- Daggers
- Neck knives
- Fixed blade knives
The state recently made a significant change to its knife laws. On November 22, 2022, Governor Wolf signed a bill that legalized automatic knives (switchblades) with blades over 3 inches in length. This change expanded the rights of knife owners in Vermont.
Carry Laws
Vermont’s knife carry laws are quite liberal:
- Open carry is permitted for all legal knives.
- Concealed carry is also allowed for all legal knives.
- There are no specific blade length restrictions for most knives.
However, it’s crucial to note that carrying any knife with the intent to harm another person is illegal.
Age Restrictions
Vermont does not impose specific age restrictions on knife ownership or carry. However, it is unlawful for anyone other than a parent or guardian to sell or furnish a dangerous weapon, including knives, to a minor under the age of 16.
Restricted Locations
While Vermont’s knife laws are generally permissive, there are some locations where carrying knives is restricted:
- Schools and school buses
- Courthouses
- Government property
It’s important to be aware of these restrictions to avoid legal issues.
Recent Legislative Developments
Vermont’s knife laws continue to evolve. As of February 2025, there are two notable legislative efforts underway:
- House Bill 350: Introduced by Representative Noyes on February 25, 2025, this bill aims to eliminate criminal penalties associated with the possession, sale, or offering for sale of automatic opening knives.
- Senate Bill 61: Introduced by Senator Patrick Brennan on February 11, 2025, this bill seeks to amend the existing law regarding automatic knives, potentially removing the remaining restrictions on switchblades.
These proposed changes reflect a trend towards further liberalization of knife laws in Vermont.
Legal Consequences
While Vermont’s knife laws are relatively lenient, violations can still result in serious consequences. Carrying a knife with criminal intent or in restricted locations can lead to fines and potential imprisonment.
Vermont’s knife laws are among the most permissive in the United States. Residents and visitors can generally carry most types of knives, both openly and concealed, without fear of legal repercussions. However, it’s crucial to remember that the intent behind carrying a knife is a key factor in determining legality.
As with any law, it’s important to stay informed about any changes. The ongoing legislative efforts in Vermont suggest that knife laws may continue to evolve, potentially expanding knife owners’ rights even further.
Always exercise caution and responsibility when carrying knives, and be aware of restrictions in specific locations. By understanding and respecting Vermont’s knife laws, you can enjoy your rights while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Sources:
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/vermont-knife-laws/
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/knife-rights-vermont-knife-law-preemption-switchblade-ban-repeal-bills-introduced/
- https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/vt-gun-laws/
- https://citizenportal.ai/articles/2391745/Vermont/Representative-Noyes-proposes-bill-to-legalize-automatic-opening-knives-in-Vermont
- https://www.akti.org/news/vermont-automatic-repeal-reintroduced/
