Utah gun laws are among some of the most lenient in the nation. Neighboring states offer many of the same freedoms to their residents that Utah citizens receive, and some nearby states are even more gun-friendly.
According to the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), Utah gun laws provide a very generous conceal carry law, but Wyoming and Arizona are even more lenient: They allow any law-abiding citizen to carry a concealed handgun, no permit required. In Utah, a concealed firearm requires a conceal-carry permit.
Utah generally recognizes all legal permits from other states. NRA-ILA reports that is similar to the law in Idaho. Colorado has a reciprocity law: It will recognize permits only from states that recognize its permits.
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Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming place even more restrictions on their concealed carry permits. Visitors to any of these states who want to carry a concealed handgun would be wise to check the rules before traveling.
Other comparisons between Utah gun laws and neighboring states offered by the NRA-ILA are the right to self-defense. There is no law protecting this right in Colorado, New Mexico, or Nevada. It is legal to carry a gun in a restaurant in Utah and all of the state’s neighbors except Wyoming and New Mexico.
Other nearby state laws that differ from Utah gun laws include:
Arizona: No permits are required to carry open or concealed handguns in Arizona. Utah gun laws require a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Colorado: The sale of ammunition magazines with more than 15 rounds is prohibited, and the state mandates background checks for all gun sales — no exceptions.
Idaho: According to Idaho statutes, "carelessness" is illegal and can be grounds for getting a hunting license revoked.
Nevada: Private gun owners are allowed to request a background check before they complete the sale of a gun to another person. Also, Nevada does not recognize a Utah conceal-carry permit.
New Mexico: A DUI conviction is grounds for getting a concealed carry permit rejected.
Wyoming: It is illegal to use any kind of firearm or firework in a state campground or park, at a state historic landmark, or historic site.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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