Vermont has long been known for its liberal stance on knife laws, and recent legislative changes have made the state even more permissive. As of July 2, 2025, Vermont has removed almost all restrictions on the possession, sale, and carrying of knives.
Whether you’re a collector, outdoor enthusiast, or just someone who uses a knife for everyday tasks, it’s important to understand the current regulations.
What Knives Are Legal in Vermont?
Vermont’s knife laws are now among the most liberal in the country. Most types of knives are completely legal to own, buy, sell, and carry, including:
Pocket Knives
Fixed-blade Knives
Automatic (Switchblade) Knives: These knives were previously restricted if the blade was 3 inches or longer, but this limit has been removed.
Balisongs (Butterfly Knives)
Daggers, Swords, and Other Specialty Knives
Automatic (Switchblade) Knives
Automatic knives were once limited based on blade length, but under the new law, there are no blade length restrictions for any knife, including automatic knives. This change allows residents to carry and use these knives without worrying about how long the blade is.
Carrying Knives: Open and Concealed
In Vermont, you are allowed to carry knives both openly and concealed, regardless of blade length. This is a significant change, as many other states have stricter regulations regarding concealed carry.
There is no permit required for carrying knives, either openly or concealed, as long as the person is 16 years or older.
Intent Matters
While carrying knives is legal, the intent behind carrying one is crucial. Carrying a knife with the intent to harm or use it as a weapon is illegal. Those found carrying knives with criminal intent can face serious penalties.
Restricted Locations
Though Vermont has relaxed its knife laws, there are still some restrictions on where knives can be carried. These locations include:
| Location Type | Knife Carry Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schools & School Buses | No | Carrying knives on school property is illegal. |
| Government Buildings | No | Prohibited on state institution grounds. |
| Federal Buildings | No | Subject to federal law restrictions. |
| Private Property | Depends | Property owners can set their own restrictions. |
| Municipalities | Varies | Check local ordinances for additional rules. |
In Vermont, the law allows private property owners to set their own restrictions regarding knives, so always respect the rules of individual businesses or private properties.
Age Restrictions
While there is no state law prohibiting minors from possessing knives, the law does restrict selling or furnishing knives to individuals under 16, unless you are their parent or guardian. This law ensures that minors cannot easily obtain knives from sources other than their families.
Penalties for Violations
Even with Vermont’s liberal laws, there are consequences for breaking the rules:
Fines: Up to $500.
Jail Time: Up to one year if carrying a knife on school or government property.
Severe Penalties: If the knife is used in a crime or with intent to harm.
These penalties emphasize the importance of using knives responsibly and following all legal guidelines.
Expungement of Past Convictions
A major benefit of the new law is that convictions for possession of switchblades prior to July 1, 2025, will be expunged. This means that those with prior offenses related to knives can have their records cleared under the new legislation.
Sources:
1. https://www.akti.org/news/vermont-automatic-repeal-reintroduced/
2. https://www.akti.org/news/vermont-drops-automatic-knife-restrictions/
3. https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/vermont-switchblade-ban-repeal-passed/
4. https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/vermont-switchblade-ban-repeal-signed/
