Gun Laws | Office of the Vermont Attorney General

SELECTED VERMONT LAWS GOVERNING THE USE AND POSSESSION OF FIREARMS

Statutes signed into law by the governor on April 11, 2018:

Click here to read Act 92, also known as H.422: An act relating to removal of firearms from a person arrested, cited, or issued an arrest warrant for domestic assault.
Click here to read Act 94, also known as S.55: An act relating to the disposition of unlawful or abandoned firearms, to firearm transfers and background checks, to sales of firearms to those under 21, to large capacity ammunition feeding devices, and to bump stocks.
Click here to read Act 97, also known as S.221: An act relating to establishing extreme risk protection orders.

You may also refer to the Department of Public Safety’s FAQ webpage on the 2018 gun laws.

The following are selected Vermont statutes dealing with the use and possession of firearms. For a complete listing of Vermont’s firearm statutes, please consult the Vermont Statutes Online, at
http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutesMain.cfm.

Vermont’s hunting laws and regulations can be found at http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/.

Title 13:

4001. Slung shot, blackjack, brass knuckles-Use or possession

A person who uses a slung shot, blackjack, brass knuckles or similar weapon against another person, or attempts so to do, or who possesses a slung shot, blackjack, brass knuckles, or similar weapon, with intent so to use it, shall be imprisoned not more than five years or fined not more than $1,000.00 or both. The provisions of this section do not apply to a law enforcement officer as to the possession and use of a blackjack, billy club or night stick.

4002. Manufacture, sale, etc.

A person within the state who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, or sells or gives away or parts with, or offers so to do, or keeps for sale or gift, a slung shot, blackjack, brass knuckles or similar weapon, shall be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $500.00, or both. This section shall not apply to the manufacture of a blackjack, billy club or nightstick for a law enforcement officer or the sale or gift thereto. (Amended 1981, No. 223 (Adj. Sess.), § 23.)

4003. Carrying dangerous weapons

A person who carries a dangerous or deadly weapon, openly or concealed, with the intent or avowed purpose of injuring a fellow man, or who carries a dangerous or deadly weapon within any state institution or upon the grounds or lands owned or leased for the use of such institution, without the approval of the warden or superintendent of the institution, shall be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $200.00, or both.

4004. Possession of dangerous or deadly weapon in a school bus or school building or on school property

(a) No person shall knowingly possess a firearm or a dangerous or deadly weapon while within a school building or on a school bus. A person who violates this section shall, for the first offense, be imprisoned not more than one year or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both, and for a second or subsequent offense shall be imprisoned not more than three years or fined not more than $5,000.00, or both.

(b) No person shall knowingly possess a firearm or a dangerous or deadly weapon on any school property with the intent to injure another person. A person who violates this section shall, for the first offense, be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both, and for a second or subsequent offense shall be imprisoned not more than three years or fined not more than $5,000.00, or both.

(1) A law enforcement officer while engaged in law enforcement duties.

(2) Possession and use of firearms or dangerous or deadly weapons if the board of school directors, or the superintendent or principal if delegated authority to do so by the board, authorizes possession or use for specific occasions or for instructional or other specific purposes.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) “School property” means any property owned by a school, including motor vehicles.

(2) “Owned by the school” means owned, leased, controlled or subcontracted by the school.

(3) “Dangerous or deadly weapon” has the meaning defined in section 4016 of this title.

(4) “Firearm” has the meaning defined in section 4016 of this title.

(5) “Law enforcement officer” has the meaning defined in section 4016 of this title.

(e) The provisions of this section shall not limit or restrict any prosecution for any other offense, including simple assault or aggravated assault. (Amended 1989, No. 143 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1999, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § 11.)

4005. While committing a crime

Except as otherwise provided in 18 V.S.A. § 4253, a person who carries a dangerous or deadly weapon, openly or concealed, while committing a felony shall be imprisoned not more than five years or fined not more than $500.00, or both. (Amended 1967, No. 296 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. March 20, 1968; 2011, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. May 9, 2012.)

4006. Record of firearm sales

All pawnbrokers and retail merchants dealing in firearms shall keep a record book in which they shall record the sale by them of all revolvers and pistols, and the purchase by them of all secondhand revolvers and pistols. Such record shall include the date of the transaction, the marks of identification of the firearm, including the manufacturer’s name, the caliber, model and manufacturer’s number of the firearm, the name, address, birthplace, occupation, age, height, weight and color of eyes and hair of the purchaser or seller. Such purchaser or seller shall sign his or her name to the record and the pawnbroker or merchant shall preserve such record book for six years after the date of last entry and shall permit all enforcement officers to inspect the same at all reasonable times. A person, partnership or corporation who violates a provision of this section shall be fined not more than $100.00.

4007. Furnishing firearms to children

A person, firm or corporation, other than a parent or guardian, who sells or furnishes to a minor under the age of 16 years a firearm or other dangerous weapon or ammunition for firearms shall be fined not more than $50.00 nor less than $10.00. This section shall not apply to an instructor or teacher who furnishes firearms to pupils for instruction and drill.

4008. Possession of firearms by children

A child under the age of 16 years shall not, without the consent of his or her parents or guardian, have in his or her possession or control a pistol or revolver constructed or designed for the use of gunpowder or other explosive substance with leaden ball or shot. A child who violates a provision of this section shall be deemed a delinquent child under the provisions of chapter 52 of Title 33.

4009. Negligent use of gun

A person who carelessly or negligently wounds another person by gunshot shall be imprisoned not more than five years or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both. (Amended 1971, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 15.)

4010. Gun suppressors

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Gun suppressor” means any device for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm, including any combination of parts, designed or redesigned, and intended for use in assembling or fabricating a gun suppressor, and any part intended only for use in such assembly or fabrication.

(2) “Sport shooting range” shall have the same meaning as used in 10 V.S.A. § 5227(a).

(b) A person shall not manufacture, make, or import a gun suppressor, except for:

(1) a licensed manufacturer, as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921, who is registered as a manufacturer pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 5802;

(2) a licensed importer, as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921, who is registered as an importer pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 5802; or

(3) a person who makes a gun suppressor in compliance with the requirements of 26 U.S.C. § 5822.

(1) a Level III certified law enforcement officer or Department of Fish and Wildlife employee in connection with his or her duties and responsibilities and in accordance with the policies and procedures of that officer’s or employee’s agency or department;

(2) the Vermont National Guard in connection with its duties and responsibilities;

(3) a licensed manufacturer or a licensed importer, as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921, who is also registered as a manufacturer or an importer pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 5802, who in the ordinary course of his or her business as a manufacturer or as an importer tests the operation of the gun suppressor; or

(4) a person lawfully using a sport shooting range.

(d)(1) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section shall be fined not less than $500.00 for each offense.

(2) A person who violates subsection (c) of this section shall be fined $50.00 for each offense. (Amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238f, eff. June 3, 2010; 2013, No. 141 (Adj. Sess.), § 17, eff. July 1, 2015; 2015, No. 61, § 15, eff. July 2, 2015.)

4011. Aiming gun at another

Any person who shall intentionally point or aim any gun, pistol or other firearm at or towards another, except in self-defense or in the lawful discharge of official duty, shall be punished by fine not exceeding $50.00. Any person who shall discharge any such firearm so intentionally aimed or pointed shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year or fined not more than $100.00, or both.

4012. Reporting treatment of firearm wounds

(a) Every physician attending or treating a case of bullet wound, gunshot wound, powder burn, or any other injury arising from or caused by the discharge of a gun, pistol, or other firearm, or whenever such case is treated in a hospital, sanitarium or other institution, the manager, superintendent or other person in charge shall report such case at once to local law enforcement officials or the state police. The provisions of this section shall not apply to such wounds, burns or injuries received by a member of the armed forces of the United States or state of Vermont while engaged in the actual performance of duty.

(b) A person violating the provisions of this section shall be fined not more than $100.00.

4013. Zip guns; switchblade knives

A person who possesses, sells or offers for sale a weapon commonly known as a “zip” gun, or a weapon commonly known as a switchblade knife, the blade of which is three inches or more in length, shall be imprisoned not more than 90 days or fined not more than $100.00, or both. (1959, No. 151, eff. May 5, 1959; amended 1981, No. 223 (Adj. Sess.), § 23.)

4014. Purchase of firearms in other states

Residents of the state of Vermont may purchase rifles and shotguns in another state, provided that such residents conform to the applicable provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968, and regulations thereunder, as administered by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and provided further that such residents conform to the provisions of law applicable to such purchase in the state of Vermont and in the state in which the purchase is made. (Added 1969, No. 108, § 1, eff. April 19, 1969; amended 2009, No. 54, § 86, eff. June 1, 2009.)

4015. Purchase of firearms by nonresidents

Residents of a state other than the state of Vermont may purchase rifles and shotguns in the state of Vermont, provided that such residents conform to the applicable provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968, and regulations thereunder, as administered by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and provided further that such residents conform to the provisions of law applicable to such purchase in the state of Vermont and in the state in which such persons reside. (Added 1969, No. 108, § 2, eff. April 19, 1969; amended 2009, No. 54, § 87, eff. June 1, 2009.)

4016. Weapons in court

(a) As used in this section:

(1) “Courthouse” means a building or any portion of a building designated by the supreme court of Vermont as a courthouse.

(2) “Dangerous or deadly weapon” means any firearm, or other weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which in the manner it is used or is intended to be used is known to be capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.

(3) “Firearm” means any weapon, whether loaded or unloaded, which will expel a projectile by the action of an explosive and includes any weapon commonly referred to as a pistol, revolver, rifle, gun, machine gun or shotgun.

(4) “Law enforcement officer” means a person certified by the Vermont criminal justice training council as having satisfactorily completed the approved training programs required to meet the minimum training standards applicable to that person pursuant to 20 V.S.A. § 2358.

(5) “Secured building” means a building with controlled points of public access, metal screening devices at each point of public access, and locked compartments, accessible only to security personnel, for storage of checked firearms.

(b) A person who, while within a courthouse and without authorization from the court,

(1) carries or has in his or her possession a firearm; or

(2) knowingly carries or has in his or her possession a dangerous or deadly weapon, other than a firearm, shall be imprisoned not more than one year or fined not more than $500.00, or both.

(c) Notice of the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance to each courthouse.

(d) No dangerous or deadly weapon shall be allowed in a courthouse that has been certified by the court administrator to be a secured building. (Added 1993, No. 45, § 1, eff. June 2, 1993.)

4017. Persons prohibited from possessing firearms; conviction of violent crime

(a) A person shall not possess a firearm if the person has been convicted of a violent crime.

(b) A person who violates this section shall be imprisoned not more than two years or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(d) As used in this section:

(1)(A) “Firearm” means:

(i) any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;

(ii) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; or

(iii) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer.

(B) “Firearm” shall not include an antique firearm.

(2) “Antique firearm” means:

(A) Any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898.

(B) Any replica of any firearm described in subdivision (A) of this subdivision (2) if the replica:

(i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; or

(ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United States and which is not readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade.

(C) Any muzzle loading rifle, muzzle loading shotgun, or muzzle loading pistol which is designed to use black powder or a black powder substitute and which cannot use fixed ammunition. As used in this subdivision (C), “antique firearm” shall not include a weapon which incorporates a firearm frame or receiver, a firearm which is converted into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle loading weapon which can be readily converted to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination thereof.

(3) “Violent crime” means:

(A)(i) A listed crime as defined in subdivision 5301(7) of this title other than:

(I) lewd or lascivious conduct as defined in section 2601 of this title;

(II) recklessly endangering another person as defined in section 1025 of this title;

(III) operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substance with either death or serious bodily injury resulting as defined in 23 V.S.A. § 1210(f) and (g);

(IV) careless or negligent operation resulting in serious bodily injury or death as defined in 23 V.S.A. § 1091(b);

(V) leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death as defined in 23 V.S.A. § 1128(b) or (c); or

(VI) a misdemeanor violation of chapter 28 of this title, relating to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults; or

(ii) a comparable offense and sentence in another jurisdiction if the offense prohibits the person from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) or 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20).

(B) An offense involving sexual exploitation of children in violation of chapter 64 of this title, or a comparable offense and sentence in another jurisdiction if the offense prohibits the person from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) or 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20).

(C) A violation of 18 V.S.A. § 4231(b)(2), (b)(3), or (c)(selling, dispensing, or trafficking cocaine); 4232(b)(2) or (b)(3)(selling or dispensing LSD); 4233(b)(2), (b)(3), or (c)(selling, dispensing, or trafficking heroin); 4234(b)(2) or (b)(3)(selling or dispensing depressants, stimulants, and narcotics); 4234a(b)(2), (b)(3), or (c)(selling, dispensing, or trafficking methamphetamine); 4235(c)(2) or (c)(3)(selling or dispensing hallucinogenic drugs); 4235a(b)(2) or (b)(3)(selling or dispensing Ecstasy), or a comparable offense and sentence in another jurisdiction if the offense prohibits the person from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) or 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20).

(D) A conviction of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance other than marijuana in another jurisdiction if the offense prohibits the person from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) or 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20). (Added 2015, No. 14, § 1; 2017, No. 83, § 161(3).)

4018. Drones

(a) No person shall equip a drone with a dangerous or deadly weapon or fire a projectile from a drone. A person who violates this section shall be imprisoned not more than one year or fined not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(b) As used in this section:

(1) “Drone” shall have the same meaning as in 20 V.S.A. § 4621.

(2) “Dangerous or deadly weapon” shall have the same meaning as in section 4016 of this title. (Added 2015, No. 169 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 2016.)