Vermont’s knife laws are relatively permissive compared to other states, allowing residents and visitors significant freedom in owning and carrying pocket knives. However, there are specific regulations and restrictions that individuals should be aware of to ensure compliance with the law. Here’s a detailed overview of what Vermont law says about pocket knives.
1. Legality of Pocket Knives
Pocket knives are legal to own and carry in Vermont, whether openly or concealed. Vermont does not impose restrictions on the type of pocket knife you can carry, provided it is not used or intended to be used as a weapon to harm another person. This aligns with Vermont’s general approach to knives, which focuses on intent rather than the type of knife itself.
2. Restrictions on Automatic Knives
While most pocket knives are unrestricted, automatic knives (switchblades) are subject to specific limitations. Vermont prohibits the possession or sale of switchblades with blades longer than three inches. Switchblades under three inches are legal, but exceeding this length makes them unlawful under current statutes.
Efforts have been made to repeal these restrictions, with recent legislative proposals aiming to modernize Vermont’s knife laws. For example, Senate Bill S.61 introduced in 2025 seeks to remove outdated prohibitions on automatic knives.
3. Carrying Pocket Knives
Vermont allows both open and concealed carry of pocket knives without requiring a permit. However, carrying a knife with the intent to harm another person is illegal and can lead to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Additionally, knives may be classified as “deadly weapons” if used or intended to cause serious bodily harm.
4. Location-Based Restrictions
Certain locations in Vermont prohibit the carrying of pocket knives altogether:
- Schools: It is illegal to possess any dangerous weapon, including pocket knives, on school property, buses, or buildings.
- Government Buildings: Carrying a concealed knife in courthouses or other government facilities is prohibited and punishable by fines or imprisonment.
These restrictions apply regardless of whether the knife is carried openly or concealed.
5. Age Restrictions
While Vermont does not impose age limits for purchasing or carrying pocket knives, it is unlawful for anyone other than a parent or guardian to sell or provide a dangerous weapon (including pocket knives) to minors under the age of 16.
6. Enforcement and Penalties
Violating Vermont’s knife laws can result in legal consequences ranging from fines to imprisonment. For example:
- Carrying an automatic knife with a blade longer than three inches can lead to penalties under state law.
- Possessing a knife in restricted locations such as schools or government buildings may result in up to one year in jail and/or fines up to $500.
In Vermont, pocket knives are legal and widely permitted for personal use, provided they are carried responsibly and not intended for harm. While automatic knives face restrictions based on blade length, most other types of pocket knives can be carried openly or concealed without issue.
However, location-based prohibitions and regulations around minors must be observed. Staying informed about these laws ensures compliance while enjoying Vermont’s permissive stance on knife ownership and carry.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/vermont-knife-laws/
[2] https://knifeade.com/vermont-knife-law/
[3] https://ravencresttactical.com/vermont-knife-laws/
[4] https://www.akti.org/news/vermont-automatic-repeal-reintroduced/
[5] https://fastdemocracy.com/bill-search/vt/2025-2026/bills/VTB00010596/
