Utah generally prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a concealed carry permit–including an unloaded firearm on the person or a firearm that is readily accessible for immediate use which is not securely encased — in a vehicle, unless the vehicle is in the person’s lawful possession or the person is carrying the loaded firearm with the consent of the person lawfully in possession of the vehicle.¹

Utah also generally applies the same restrictions on carrying a loaded handgun in a vehicle without the consent of the individual who is lawfully in possession of the vehicle, except for concealed carry permit holders.² However, no person may possess a loaded long gun in any vehicle.³

Subject to limited exceptions, Utah law also generally prevents individuals from enforcing restrictions on individuals’ ability to transport or store a firearm in a vehicle on any property designated for motor vehicle parking, if:

1. the individual is legally permitted to transport, possess, purchase, receive, transfer, or store the firearm;
2. the firearm is locked securely in the motor vehicle or in a locked container attached to the motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is not occupied; and
3. the firearm is not in plain view from the outside of the motor vehicle.⁴ This rule does not apply, however, to school premises, government entities, religious organizations, and certain residential units.⁵

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1. Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-504(1).[↩]
2. Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-505(1).[↩]
3. Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-505(3).[↩]
4. Utah Code Ann. § 34-45-103.[↩]
5. Utah Code Ann. § 34-45-107.[↩]