Vermont maintains some of the most permissive knife laws in the U.S., allowing broad ownership and carry rights for most blades.
Recent 2025 legislation fully legalized switchblades, eliminating prior restrictions and aligning the state with constitutional carry principles for edged tools.
Overview of Vermont Knife Laws
Vermont imposes no general blade length limits or bans on common knives like folders, fixed blades, or balisong (butterfly) knives. Residents 18 and older can openly or concealed carry knives statewide, except in restricted areas or with criminal intent.
The 2025 repeal of the switchblade ban via S.109/S.61 removed the old prohibition on automatics over three inches, effective July 2, 2025, with expungement for prior convictions.
Permitted Knives and Carry Rules
- All manual folders, pocket knives, and fixed blades are legal to own, buy, sell, and carry without permits.
- Switchblades and automatic knives of any blade length are now fully permitted post-2025 reforms.
- No statewide restrictions on dirks, daggers, or machetes, provided they’re not used as weapons.
Concealed or open carry applies equally, reflecting Vermont’s permitless carry ethos. Minors under 18 face limits on carry but not basic possession.
Prohibited Items and Exceptions
Vermont outlaws specific non-knife weapons like slung shots, blackjacks, brass knuckles, and zip guns under 13 V.S.A. § 4013.
Knives aren’t classified as “dangerous or deadly weapons” unless carried with intent to harm, which elevates charges to a felony (up to 10 years if targeting multiples).
Restricted Locations
Knives are banned in:
- Courthouses and jails.
- Schools and school grounds (K-12 and colleges).
- Government buildings during legislative sessions.
- Secure areas of airports.
Private property owners can set rules; always secure consent. Law enforcement may confiscate during stops if probable cause exists for misuse.
Intent and Use Considerations
Possession alone isn’t criminal—context matters. Using a knife to injure carries penalties up to two years ($2,000 fine), escalating with aggravating factors.
Self-defense justifies reasonable force, including edged tools, under Vermont’s “stand your ground” stance (no duty to retreat).
Recent Changes (2025 Update)
Knife Rights and the American Knife and Tool Institute championed S.61/S.109, sponsored by Sen. Patrick Brennan, ending the archaic switchblade limit.
This modernized laws for tradespeople, hunters, and enthusiasts, with unanimous legislative support. No new restrictions emerged in 2026 sessions.
Practical Tips for Compliance
- Choose quality, legal blades suited to your needs (e.g., multi-tools for EDC).
- Avoid brandishing or modifying knives to appear weapon-like.
- If traveling interstate, check federal laws (knives over 7″ blades restricted on planes).
- Consult local ordinances in cities like Burlington, though none exceed state baselines.
Vermont’s framework prioritizes personal freedom while targeting misuse. Stay informed via official statutes at legislature.
SOURCES :
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/vermont-switchblade-ban-repeal-signed/
- https://congressionalsportsmen.org/news/pro-knife-legislation-advances-in-the-northeast-as-sessions-wind-down/
