🍁 Vermont Knife Laws
Overview
Vermont has statewide preemption — local governments cannot create additional knife restrictions beyond state law. Both open and concealed carry of knives are legal. There is no general blade length restriction. All common knife types are legal to own and carry.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Vermont has no statute prohibiting the open carry of knives. Under 13 V.S.A. § 4003, carrying a dangerous weapon is only an offense when done with intent to injure another person. Without that intent, open carry of any knife is legal.
Statute: 13 V.S.A. § 4003.
Vermont has no statute restricting concealed carry of knives. The only carrying offense under 13 V.S.A. § 4003 requires intent to injure. Vermont is a constitutional carry state with no permit requirement, and concealed carry of knives is unrestricted.
Statute: 13 V.S.A. § 4003.
Vermont imposes no general blade length limit on knives. The former 3-inch blade length restriction on switchblades under 13 V.S.A. § 4013 was repealed by Act 64 of 2025, effective June 12, 2025. No other blade length restriction exists in Vermont law.
Statute: 13 V.S.A. § 4013.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades are legal in Vermont. The former prohibition on switchblades with blades 3 inches or longer under 13 V.S.A. § 4013 was repealed by Act 64 of 2025 (S.109), effective June 12, 2025. The amended statute now covers only zip guns. Switchblades of any blade length may be owned, carried, sold, and manufactured. Statute: 13 V.S.A. § 4013. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisong (butterfly) knives are not mentioned or restricted in any Vermont statute. Vermont does not regulate knives by type or opening mechanism. Legal to own and carry. Statute: 13 V.S.A. § 4003. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Vermont has no statute prohibiting disguised knives such as belt buckle knives, lipstick knives, or cane swords. No Vermont law restricts knives based on their concealment or disguised appearance. Legal to own and carry. Statute: 13 V.S.A. § 4003. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are not mentioned or restricted in any Vermont statute. Vermont does not regulate knives by opening mechanism. Legal to own and carry. Statute: 13 V.S.A. § 4003. |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | Ballistic knives are not specifically addressed in Vermont state law. No Vermont statute prohibits their possession or carry. However, federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) restricts the possession and sale of ballistic knives. Legal under state law; restricted under federal law. Statute: 13 V.S.A. § 4003. |
Relevant Statutes(8)
- 13 V.S.A. § 1021.—Weapons Definitions
- 13 V.S.A. § 4003.—Carrying Dangerous Weapons
- 13 V.S.A. § 4004.—Weapons on School Property
- 13 V.S.A. § 4007.—Furnishing Weapons to Minors
- 13 V.S.A. § 4013.—Switchblade and Zip Gun Prohibition
- 13 V.S.A. § 4016.—Weapons in Courthouses
- 15 V.S.A. § 563—School Board Weapons Authority
- 24 V.S.A. § 2291.—Municipal Weapons Powers
Legal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Always verify with official state sources before making decisions about knife carry or ownership. KnifeInformer is not a law firm — consult a qualified attorney for specific legal questions.
