No, brass knuckles are classified as prohibited weapons under Utah Code § 76-10-506, making their possession, sale, or transfer a third-degree felony. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Salt Lake City Police Department, actively enforce these restrictions, with recent 2026 guidance from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification clarifying that even decorative or antique brass knuckles fall under the ban. Exceptions require a valid concealed carry permit, which does not apply to brass knuckles.
Key Regulations for Brass Knuckles in Utah
- Prohibited Possession: Utah law explicitly bans brass knuckles as “dangerous weapons,” punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine under § 76-3-203.
- Local Enforcement: County attorneys, such as those in Utah County, prioritize prosecutions under § 76-10-506, with mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders.
- 2026 Compliance Updates: The Utah Department of Public Safety’s 2026 directive mandates that pawn shops and online sellers remove brass knuckles from inventory or face license revocation under the Utah Second Amendment Preservation Act.
Utah’s regulatory framework aligns with broader trends in the Intermountain West, where neighboring states like Idaho and Wyoming have adopted similar prohibitions to curb violent crime. The Utah Legislature’s 2024 amendments to § 76-10-506 further expanded definitions to include “knuckle-duster” variants, closing loopholes exploited by manufacturers. Consultation with the Utah Attorney General’s Office is advised for businesses or collectors seeking clarity on exemptions.