Vermont Knife Laws: Rights & Carry Rules

Vermont has long taken one of the least restrictive approaches in the country when it comes to carrying knives. That position rests on a constitutional provision dating back to the state’s founding and a 1903 court ruling that continues to influence how Vermont law is interpreted today.

For most of its history, the state imposed only one type-specific restriction: a ban on switchblades with blades over 3 inches. That rule was repealed in 2025, leaving Vermont with very few limitations on knife ownership or carry.

Even so, the law still turns on intent, location, and a handful of specific prohibitions that remain in place.

Vermont’s Constitutional Approach to Knife Carry

• Vermont allows the ownership and carry of all knife types, including automatic and switchblade knives of any blade length, as of July 2, 2025.

• Open carry and concealed carry of knives are both legal without a permit.

• The state constitution and a 1903 Supreme Court ruling protect the right to carry weapons unless the carrier intends to harm someone.

• Carrying a knife with the intent to injure another person is a criminal offense under 13 V.S.A. § 4003, punishable by up to 2 years in prison or a $2,000 fine.

• Knives are prohibited in schools and on school buses under 13 V.S.A. § 4004.

• Knives are prohibited in courthouses without authorization under 13 V.S.A. § 4016.

• Local municipalities cannot pass their own knife restriction laws.

• Selling a dangerous weapon to a minor under 16 (by anyone other than a parent or guardian) is a punishable offense.

The Constitutional Foundation

Vermont’s carry rights rest on Chapter 1, Article 16 of the state constitution, which reads that "the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and the State." This provision has been part of Vermont law since the state’s founding, and courts have interpreted it broadly in the context of personal carry.

The ruling that set the tone for modern laws on carrying weapons in Vermont came in 1903. In State v. Rosenthal, 55 A. 610 (1903), the Vermont Supreme Court struck down a City of Rutland ordinance that banned carrying items like stilettos, brass knuckles, pistols, and similar weapons.

The court found the ordinance violated the Vermont Constitution and that the legislature had not granted cities the authority to impose those restrictions. The practical result of that decision still holds: Vermonters can carry weapons, openly or concealed, so long as they do not carry with intent to harm another person.

What Knives Are Legal to Own and Carry?

As of July 2, 2025, all common knife types are legal to own and carry in Vermont, both openly and concealed. There is no permit requirement. There is no blade length restriction.

Here is a breakdown of common knife types and their legal status:

Before 2025, switchblade knives with blades longer than 3 inches were the only type banned under state law. That restriction had been in place since 1959 under 13 V.S.A. § 4013. The repeal removed switchblades from the statute entirely, making Vermont the 21st state to eliminate switchblade bans or restrictions.

The 2025 Switchblade Repeal

The effort to repeal Vermont’s switchblade ban took several years. Senator Brennan first introduced the push while serving in the House in 2019 with bill H.124. The effort gained traction over the following years, and in 2025, the repeal was incorporated into S.109, a bill titled “Court Procedure; Criminal Procedure; Miscellaneous Amendments.” Governor Phil Scott signed S.109 into law, with an effective date of July 2, 2025.

One notable part of the bill goes beyond simply legalizing switchblades. S.109 also requires courts to order the expungement of criminal history records for anyone previously convicted under 13 V.S.A. § 4013 for possessing, selling, or offering for sale a switchblade knife before July 1, 2025. That means anyone who was charged under the old law can have their record cleared.

Where You Cannot Carry a Knife

Vermont’s permissive approach to knife carry has firm exceptions tied to specific locations. Carrying in these places can result in criminal charges regardless of intent.

Schools and School Buses

Under 13 V.S.A. § 4004, no person may knowingly possess a dangerous or deadly weapon while inside a school building or on a school bus. The penalties increase with repeat offenses:

There is no exception in this statute for concealed carry permit holders, because Vermont does not require one in the first place. The prohibition applies to everyone.

Courthouses

Under 13 V.S.A. § 4016, carrying or possessing a dangerous or deadly weapon (other than a firearm) inside a courthouse without court authorization is a criminal offense. The penalty for a violation is imprisonment of up to 1 year, a fine of up to $500, or both.

If you need to enter a courthouse for any reason, leave your knife in your vehicle or at home. Authorization from the court would be required in advance for any situation requiring bringing a weapon inside.

The Role of Intent in Vermont Knife Law

Outside of school and courthouse restrictions, Vermont’s knife laws revolve around intent. Possessing a knife, even one that could be classified as a dangerous or deadly weapon, is not a crime on its own. The law targets what you plan to do with it.

Under 13 V.S.A. § 4003, carrying a dangerous or deadly weapon with intent to injure another person is punishable by up to 2 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. If the person intends to injure multiple people, the charge becomes a felony, with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

This is the core of Vermont’s approach. The state does not restrict possession based on the type of weapon. It restricts the purpose behind carrying it. A person walking through downtown Burlington with a fixed-blade knife on their belt is not committing any illegal act. That same person carrying the same knife while stating threats against someone is committing a crime.

Selling Knives to Minors

Vermont does restrict who can sell or furnish dangerous weapons to young people. Under 13 V.S.A. § 4007, any person, firm, or corporation (other than a parent or guardian) that sells or furnishes a firearm or other dangerous weapon to a minor under the age of 16 faces a fine of between $10 and $50.

The phrase “other dangerous weapon” means this statute may apply to knives, depending on the item's type and how a court classifies it. Parents and guardians are exempt from this provision.

Local Laws and Preemption

Vermont does not allow local municipalities to create their own rules regarding the possession of weapons. This principle was reinforced by the 1903 State v. Rosenthal ruling, which held that the City of Rutland lacked authority to enact its own weapons ordinance. State law preempts local regulations in this area.

In practice, this means the rules described above apply uniformly across the state. A knife that is legal to carry in Montpelier is legal to carry in Burlington, Brattleboro, and every other Vermont town. You do not need to research local ordinances before traveling within the state.

Where Vermont’s Knife Laws Stand Today

Vermont law allows the ownership and carrying of any knife, whether openly or concealed, without a permit or a blade-length restriction. The main exceptions involve carrying in schools or courthouses and unlawful intent. Adhering to these rules avoids legal issues.

If you were previously convicted under the old switchblade statute, the 2025 repeal bill (S.109) includes a provision for expungement of those records. That process runs through the courts, and it may be worth consulting a Vermont attorney to confirm the steps involved in your specific case.

Lawful intent and awareness of location-based restrictions are essential for compliance with Vermont’s knife laws.