Yes, blank-firing guns are legal in Utah but subject to Utah Code § 76-10-501 and municipal ordinances. Private ownership and use are permitted without a permit, yet sales to minors and public brandishing are prohibited. The Utah Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) aligns with federal standards, classifying blanks as “firearms” under 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3)(B) when designed to expel a projectile. Local jurisdictions, such as Salt Lake City, may impose additional restrictions on discharge within city limits.
Key Regulations for Blank Firing Guns in Utah
- Age Restrictions: Sales to individuals under 18 are illegal per Utah Code § 76-10-509.5, with exceptions for supervised use in agricultural or instructional settings.
- Discharge Prohibitions: Discharging blanks in public spaces is regulated by local ordinances; Salt Lake City Code § 10.32.030 requires permits for public discharge, while unincorporated areas typically follow county rules.
- Transportation Standards: Blanks must be transported in compliance with Utah Code § 76-10-523, prohibiting loaded blank-firing devices in vehicles unless securely stored and inaccessible to occupants.
Utah’s 2026 legislative session introduced HB 267, which clarifies blank-firing gun definitions but maintains existing exemptions for antique replicas. The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) enforces compliance through random inspections at licensed dealers, particularly in Weber and Davis counties. Failure to adhere to these provisions may result in misdemeanor charges under Utah Code § 76-10-501(2).