Vermont is known for its relaxed and permissive stance on knife possession, including pocket knives. Recent legislation in 2025 has brought significant changes that further clarify and liberalize the rules regarding the ownership, sale, and carrying of knives in the Green Mountain State. Here is an overview to help understand the current legal position of pocket knives in Vermont.
Statewide Knife Laws and Recent Changes
Historically, Vermont had restrictions on automatic knives (commonly called switchblades) that limited blade lengths to 3 inches or less. However, a major legislative change took effect on July 2, 2025, repealing this restriction. Now, automatic knives with no blade length limit can be legally sold, owned, and carried throughout Vermont. This places Vermont alongside several other New England states with minimal restrictions on knives.
Legal Possession and Carrying Rules
Open and Concealed Carry Allowed: Vermonters may carry knives openly or concealed without restrictions on pocket knives, so long as there is no criminal intent or plan to use the knife as a weapon against others.
No Blade Length Limits for Pocket and Automatic Knives: Following the 2025 repeal, there is no legal blade length limit on automatic or pocket knives.
No Age Restrictions on Carrying: There are no specific minimum age requirements for owning or carrying knives, but selling or furnishing a dangerous weapon or knife to minors under 16 is prohibited except by parents or guardians.
Restricted Locations: Possession of knives is banned in certain areas such as school property, school buses, and government buildings. Carrying a knife with the intent to harm is illegal.
Key Statutes Covering Knife Laws
Several Vermont statutes regulate knife possession and use:
13 V.S.A. § 4003: Regulates carrying dangerous weapons.
13 V.S.A. § 4004: Prohibits dangerous weapons on school property.
13 V.S.A. § 4013: Addresses switchblade knives and related restrictions (repealed for the blade length limit in 2025).
24 V.S.A. § 2291: Limits local municipalities from regulating possession of weapons, making the law uniform across Vermont.
Practical Tips for Vermont Knife Owners
Always carry knives legally without intent to harm others.
Avoid carrying knives onto school property or government buildings.
Parents should monitor any minor’s access to knives as furnishing knives to minors is regulated.
Stay updated on local ordinances although Vermont law generally prohibits municipalities from restricting knife possession.
Locations Relevant to Knife Laws
Knife laws apply statewide in all Vermont counties including Chittenden, Washington, Windham, and Bennington counties. Specific restrictions are most enforced in public buildings, schools, and courthouses scattered throughout cities such as Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, and Stowe.
Vermont offers one of the most permissive knife law environments in the US, especially since the 2025 repeal of the blade length limit on automatic knives. Adults may possess and carry pocket knives openly or concealed without restriction on blade size, provided the knives are not carried with intent to harm or in prohibited areas like schools. This legal clarity benefits everyday Vermonters who rely on knives for work, hobbies, and personal protection. Keeping informed on local rules and ensuring lawful use will help avoid legal trouble in the Green Mountain State in 2025.
Sources
(https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/vermont/)
(https://www.akti.org/news/vermont-drops-automatic-knife-restrictions/)
(https://www.akti.org/news/vermont-automatic-repeal-reintroduced/)
(https://ravencresttactical.com/vermont-knife-laws/)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/vermont/comments/1m3afgw/yes_vermonters_you_can_own_automatic_knives/)
