It Is ILLEGAL To Carry A Firearm In Any Federal Prohibited Area

  • Federal Buildings* – per 18 USC § 93011
  • Federal Courthouses* – per 18 USC § 93011
  • Federal Prisons* – per 18 USC § 93011
  • Any Building Owned, Leased, or Rented by the Federal Government – per 18 USC § 9301
    Any part of any building that the federal government has rented for office space or a federal workforce, etc. Just their offices or the part of the building the federal government has control over is off-limits. You can legally carry firearms in the rest of the building if it is not an otherwise prohibited area under state law.
  • Military Bases – per 18 USC § 93011
    All military bases are federal property. Each base may have slightly different policies, however, visitors who arrive at a military base with a firearm must leave them with the military police or security at the gate. If the base does not have storage capabilities at the gate or armory, you will be turned away. The base commander can make other exceptions. Check at each military installation for specific rules.
    It is LEGAL for Utah Army Nation Guard (ANG) Members to possess firearms in their vehicle, open carry, and carry concealed on Camp Williams and other state-owned military installations. The National Guard and National Guard bases are controlled by the State, not the Federal Government.
  • Department of Veteran Affairs* – per 18 USC § 9301 and  38 CFR § 1.2182
  • National Parks – per 18 USC § 9301
  • National Wildlife Refuges –  per 18 USC § 9301, 16 USC § 1a–7b3, 50 CFR § 27.424, and 50 CFR § 27.435
    It is LEGAL to carry in all national parks and national wildlife refuges in Utah. All federal buildings are prohibited.
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)* –  per 18 USC § 9301 and 43 CFR § 8365.1-76
    It is LEGAL to carry a firearm on BLM land in Utah. Any building on the BLM land operated by the federal government is considered federal property.
  • Post Offices* per 39 CFR § 232.17
    Postal regulations prohibit the possession of firearms in buildings and in their parking lots or any property they own.
    This DOES NOT include post office windows in stores (contract stations) such as Harmon’s Grocery Stores.
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers* – per 18 USC § 93011 and 36 CFR § 327.138
    The Corps builds and runs flood control and navigation dams. The Corps has jurisdiction over the dam site and usually, all waters that are backed up by the dam. Carrying a firearm anywhere on Corps property is illegal unless written permission has been received from the District Commander.
  • National Cemeteries* – per 18 USC § 93011 and 32 CFR § 553.339
  • Indian Reservations10
    Indian Reservations are controlled by Tribal Law. You must check with each tribe BEFORE attempting to transport or carry a firearm or other weapon on their land. Some Indian Tribes consider federal and state highways through their property as under their control.

* This includes parking lots adjacent to, or part of, the facility if the federal entity owns or has control of the parking lot and it is posted “No Firearms.” The lot has to be posted under federal law if they do not wish to have firearms present (except for the post office).

Laws

Federal Buildings, Courthouses & Penalties

41 CFR § 102-74.440 What is the policy concerning weapons on Federal property?
Federal law prohibits the possession of firearms or other dangerous weapons in Federal facilities and Federal court facilities by all persons not specifically authorized by 18 U.S.C. 930. Violators will be subject to fine and/or imprisonment for periods up to five (5) years.

It is ILLEGAL to possess a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility. However, there are exceptions for:

  • Authorized officers, agents, & employees of the United States, a State, or political subdivisions;
  • Authorized federal officials or a members of the Armed Forces;  and
  • The lawful carrying of firearms or other dangerous weapons in a Federal facility incident to hunting or other lawful purposes.

“Federal facility” means a building or part thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties.

“Dangerous weapon” means a weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does not include a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2 1/2 inches in length.

1 18 U.S. Code § 930 – Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in Federal facilities
(a) Except as provided in subsection (d), whoever knowingly possesses or causes to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal facility (other than a Federal court facility), or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(b) Whoever, with intent that a firearm or other dangerous weapon be used in the commission of a crime, knowingly possesses or causes to be present such firearm or dangerous weapon in a Federal facility, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
(c) A person who kills any person in the course of a violation of subsection (a) or (b), or in the course of an attack on a Federal facility involving the use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, or attempts or conspires to do such an act, shall be punished as provided in sections 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1117.
(d) Subsection (a) shall not apply to—
(1) the lawful performance of official duties by an officer, agent, or employee of the United States, a State, or a political subdivision thereof, who is authorized by law to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of any violation of law;
(2) the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon by a Federal official or a member of the Armed Forces if such possession is authorized by law; or
(3) the lawful carrying of firearms or other dangerous weapons in a Federal facility incident to hunting or other lawful purposes.
(e)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), whoever knowingly possesses or causes to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal court facility, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 2 years, or both.
(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to conduct which is described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (d).
(f) Nothing in this section limits the power of a court of the United States to punish for contempt or to promulgate rules or orders regulating, restricting, or prohibiting the possession of weapons within any building housing such court or any of its proceedings, or upon any grounds appurtenant to such building.
(g) As used in this section:
(1) The term “Federal facility” means a building or part thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties.
(2) The term “dangerous weapon” means a weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does not include a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2½ inches in length.
(3) The term “Federal court facility” means the courtroom, judges’ chambers, witness rooms, jury deliberation rooms, attorney conference rooms, prisoner holding cells, offices of the court clerks, the United States attorney, and the United States marshal, probation and parole offices, and adjoining corridors of any court of the United States.
(h) Notice of the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance to each Federal facility, and notice of subsection (e) shall be posted conspicuously at each public entrance to each Federal court facility, and no person shall be convicted of an offense under subsection (a) or (e) with respect to a Federal facility if such notice is not so posted at such facility, unless such person had actual notice of subsection (a) or (e), as the case may be.

18 USC § 3571. Sentence of fine
18 USC § 3581. Sentence of imprisonment

• Knowingly possesses or causes to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon:
Class A Misdemeanor
Imprisonment of not more than 1 year
Fined not more than $100,000
• Uses a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a crime, or attempts to do so:
Class D Felony
Imprisonment of not more than 5 years
Fined not more than $250,000
• Knowingly possesses or causes to be present a firearm or other dangerous weapon in a Federal court facility, or attempts to do so:
Class E Felony
Imprisonment of not more than 2 years
Fined not more than $250,000

Federal Prisons

1 18 U.S. Code § 930

Federal prisons are considered federal facilities. See this law above under “Federal Buildings, Courthouses & Penalties”

Military Bases

1 18 U.S. Code § 930

All military bases are considered federal property. See this law above under “Federal Buildings, Courthouses & Penalties”

Each base may have slightly different policies, however, visitors who arrive at a military base with a firearm must leave them with the military police or security at the gate. If the base does not have storage capabilities at the gate or armory, you will be turned away. The base commander can make other exceptions. Check at each military installation for specific rules.

It is LEGAL for Utah Army Nation Guard (ANG) Members to possess firearms in their vehicle, open carry, and carry concealed on Camp Williams and other state-owned military installations. The National Guard and National Guard bases are controlled by the State, not the Federal Government.

The following are federal military installations in Utah where firearms are prohibited. This list may not be all-inclusive.

  • United States Air Force
    – Hill Air Force Base – 7981 Georgia St, Hill AFB, UT 84056
  • United States Army
    – Dugway Proving Ground – South West of Tooele, Utah
    – Tooele Army Depot – 1729 S Main St, Tooele, UT 84074
  • United States Marine Corps Reserve
    – 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, Fox Company – 116 Pollock Road, Fl1, Salt Lake City, UT 84113
    – 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Charlie Company – Bldg. 2620, 17800 Camp Williams Rd. Bluffdale, UT 84065
  • Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) – 5416 W Amelia Earhart Dr #130, Salt Lake City, UT 84116
  • All Recruiting Offices – Statewide

Department Of Veteran Affairs (VA)

1 18 U.S. Code § 930

The Department Of Veteran Affairs (VA), Veterans Administration Facilities & Properties are considered federal facilities. See this law above under “Federal Buildings, Courthouses & Penalties”

This includes parking lots adjacent to or part of the facility if the Federal Agency/Entity owns or has control of the parking lot and it is posted “No Firearms”. The lot has to be posted under federal law if they do not wish to have firearms present.

238 CFR § 1.218 Security and law enforcement at VA facilities.
(a) Authority and rules of conduct. Pursuant to 38 U.S.C. 901, the following rules and regulations apply at all property under the charge and control of VA (and not under the charge and control of the General Services Administration) and to all persons entering in or on such property. The head of the facility is charged with the responsibility for the enforcement of these rules and regulations and shall cause these rules and regulations to be posted in a conspicuous place on the property.
(13) Weapons and explosives. No person while on property shall carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed, except for official purposes.
(b) Schedule of offenses and penalties. Conduct in violation of the rules and regulations set forth in paragraph (a) of this section subjects an offender to arrest and removal from the premises. Whomever shall be found guilty of violating these rules and regulations while on any property under the charge and control of VA is subject to a fine as stated in the schedule set forth herein or, if appropriate, the payment of fixed sum in lieu of appearance (forfeiture of collateral) as may be provided for in rules of the United States District Court. Violations included in the schedule of offenses and penalties may also subject an offender to a term of imprisonment of not more than six months, as may be determined appropriate by a magistrate or judge of the United States District Court:
(37) Possession of firearms, carried either openly or concealed, whether loaded or unloaded (except by Federal or State law enforcement officers on official business, $500.
(39) Possession of knives which exceed a blade length of 3 inches; switchblade knives; any of the variety of hatchets, clubs and hand-held weapons; or brass knuckles, $300.

38 USC §901. Authority to prescribe rules for conduct and penalties for violations
(a)(1) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to provide for the maintenance of law and order and the protection of persons and property on Department property.
(2) In this chapter, the term “Department property” means land and buildings that are under the jurisdiction of the Department and are not under control of the Administrator of General Services.
(b) Regulations under subsection (a) shall include—
(1) rules for conduct on Department property; and
(2) the penalties, within the limits specified in subsection (c), for violations of such rules.
(c) Whoever violates any rule prescribed by regulation under subsection (b)(1) shall be fined in accordance with title 18 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both. The Secretary may prescribe by regulation a maximum fine less than that which would otherwise apply under the preceding sentence or a maximum term of imprisonment of a shorter period than that which would otherwise apply under the preceding sentence, or both. Any such regulation shall apply notwithstanding any provision of title 18 or any other law to the contrary.
(d) The rules prescribed under subsection (a), together with the penalties for violations of such rules, shall be posted conspicuously on property to which they apply.
(e) The Secretary shall consult with the Attorney General before prescribing regulations under this section.

Penalty:
Class B Misdemeanor
Imprisonment of not more than 6 months
Firearms: Fined not more than $500
Knives: Fined not more than $300

National Parks/National Wildlife Refuges & Penalties

1 18 U.S. Code § 930

All park buildings (visitor centers, ranger stations, offices, fee collection buildings, maintenance facilities, etc.) are considered federal facilities. See this law above under “Federal Buildings, Courthouses & Penalties”

As of February 22, 2010, 54 USC § 104906 and 36 CFR § 2.4 took effect changing federal law to make park firearm regulations reflect state law. For example, if a state allows open carry and/or concealed carry or loaded/unloaded firearms in vehicles, carrying a firearm or possessing loaded/unloaded firearms in a vehicle is allowed in a National Park in that state.

Discharge of firearms, except when lawfully hunting, is generally prohibited.
Visitors should not consider firearms as protection from wildlife.

National Parks Service pamphlet | National Park Service Firearms webpage.

National Wildlife Refuges

2 16 USC § 1a–7b. Protection of right of individuals to bear arms
(a) Congressional findings
Congress finds the following:
(1) The 2d amendment to the Constitution provides that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”.
(2) Section 27.42 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, provides that, except in special circumstances, citizens of the United States may not “possess, use, or transport firearms on national wildlife refuges” of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(3) The regulations described in paragraph (2) prevent individuals complying with Federal and State laws from exercising the 2d amendment rights of the individuals while at units of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
(4) The existence of different laws relating to the transportation and possession of firearms at different units of the National Wildlife Refuge System entrapped law-abiding gun owners while at units of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
(5) Although the Bush administration issued new regulations relating to the 2d amendment rights of law-abiding citizens in units of the National Wildlife Refuge System that went into effect on January 9, 2009—
(A) on March 19, 2009, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia granted a preliminary injunction with respect to the implementation and enforcement of the new regulations; and
(B) the new regulations—
(i) are under review by the Obama administration; and
(ii) may be altered.
(6) Congress needs to weigh in on the new regulations to ensure that unelected bureaucrats and judges cannot again override the 2d amendment rights of law-abiding citizens on 90,790,000 acres of land under the jurisdiction of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
(7) Federal laws should make it clear that the 2d amendment rights of an individual at a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System should not be infringed.
(b) Protection of right of individuals to bear arms in units of the National Wildlife Refuge System
The Secretary shall not promulgate or enforce any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm, including an assembled or functional firearm, in any unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System if—
(1) the individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm; and
(2) the possession of the firearm is in compliance with the law of the State in which the unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is located.

3 50 CFR § 27.42 Firearms.
Only the following persons may possess, use, or transport firearms on national wildlife refuges in accordance with this section and applicable Federal and State law:
(a) Persons using firearms for public hunting under the provisions of 50 CFR part 32.
(b) Persons carrying unloaded firearms, that are dismantled or cased, in vehicles and boats over routes of travel designated under the provision of subchapter C.
(c) Persons authorized to use firearms for the taking of specimens of wildlife for scientific purposes.
(d) Persons authorized by special regulations or permits to possess or use firearms for the protection of property, for field trials, and other special purposes.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Chapter, persons may possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national wildlife refuge in accordance with the laws of the state in which the wildlife refuge, or that portion thereof, is located, except as otherwise prohibited by applicable Federal law.

4 50 CFR § 27.43 Weapons other than firearms.
The use or possession of cross bows, bows and arrows, air guns, spears, gigs, or other weapons on national wildlife refuges is prohibited except as may be authorized under the provision of this subchapter C.

Bureau Of Land Management (BLM)

It is LEGAL to carry a firearm on BLM land in Utah. Any building on the BLM land operated by the federal government is considered federal property.
The exceptions where the BLM prohibits firearms are the San Pedro Riparian Zone in Arizona, the Wallace Conservation Forest in Idaho, and Red Rock National Conservation Area in Nevada.

1 18 U.S. Code § 930

All buildings on BLM lad are considered federal facilities. See this law above under “Federal Buildings, Courthouses & Penalties”

6 43 CFR § 8365.1-7 State and local laws.
Except as otherwise provided by Federal law or regulation, State and local laws and ordinances shall apply and be enforced by the appropriate State and local authorities. This includes, but is not limited to, State and local laws and ordinances governing:
(a) Operation and use of motor vehicles, aircraft and boats;
(b) Hunting and fishing;
(c) Use of firearms or other weapons;
(d) Injury to persons, or destruction or damage to property;
(e) Air and water pollution;
(f) Littering;
(g) Sanitation;
(h) Use of fire;
(i) Pets;
(j) Forest products; and
(k) Caves.

Post Offices & Penalties

7 39 CFR § 232.1 Conduct on postal property.
(a) Applicability. This section applies to all real property under the charge and control of the Postal Service, to all tenant agencies, and to all persons entering in or on such property. This section shall be posted and kept posted at a conspicuous place on all such property. This section shall not apply to—
(i) Any portions of real property, owned or leased by the Postal Service, that are leased or subleased by the Postal Service to private tenants for their exclusive use;
(ii) With respect to sections 232.1(h)(1) and 232.1(o), sidewalks along the street frontage of postal property falling within the property lines of the Postal Service that are not physically distinguishable from adjacent municipal or other public sidewalks, and any paved areas adjacent to such sidewalks that are not physically distinguishable from such sidewalks.

(l) Weapons and explosives. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, rule or regulation, no person while on postal property may carry firearms, other dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives, either openly or concealed, or store the same on postal property, except for official purposes.

(p) Penalties and other law. (1) Alleged violations of these rules and regulations are heard, and the penalties prescribed herein are imposed, either in a Federal district court or by a Federal magistrate in accordance with applicable court rules. Questions regarding such rules should be directed to the regional counsel for the region involved.
(2) Whoever shall be found guilty of violating the rules and regulations in this section while on property under the charge and control of the Postal Service is subject to a fine as provided in 18 U.S.C. 3571 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both. Nothing contained in these rules and regulations shall be construed to abrogate any other Federal laws or regulations or any State and local laws and regulations applicable to any area in which the property is situated.

Post Office Poster Prohibiting Firearms

18 USC § 3571. Sentence of fine
18 USC § 3581. Sentence of imprisonment
Class C Misdemeanor
Imprisonment of not more than thirty days
Fined not more than $5,000

United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) & Laws

1 18 U.S. Code § 930

All buildings on USACE properties are considered federal property. See this law above under “Federal Buildings, Courthouses & Penalties”

USACE builds and runs flood control and navigation Dams. They have jurisdiction over the Dam Site and usually, all waters backed up by the dam. The property starts at the first signage upon approaching the project area, but the entire property lines are not marked and can include a large area away from the lake.

8 36 CFR §327.13 Explosives, firearms, other weapons and fireworks.
(a) The possession of loaded firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile firing devices, bows and arrows, crossbows, or other weapons is prohibited unless:
(1) In the possession of a Federal, state or local law enforcement officer;
(2) Being used for hunting or fishing as permitted under § 327.8, with devices being unloaded when transported to, from or between hunting and fishing sites;
(3) Being used at authorized shooting ranges; or
(4) Written permission has been received from the District Commander.
(b) Possession of explosives or explosive devices of any kind, including fireworks or other pyrotechnics, is prohibited unless written permission has been received from the District Commander.

The law clearly says loaded firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile firing devices, bows and arrows, crossbows, or other weapons are prohibited unless:

  1. being used for hunting or fishing, if authorized by USACE and they must be unloaded when transported to, from, or between hunting and fishing sites.
  2. Being used at authorized shooting ranges; or
  3. Written permission has been received from the District Commander.

A legal representative for the Corps has stated that it is commonly accepted that they will not harass or search private vehicles for weapons/firearms or any other prohibited item without obvious and serious cause to do so and that within their boundaries they do have full authority to do so even in the state park or other facility located inside their boundaries (boat docks, marinas, launch ramps, lake houses, cabins, etc.). HOWEVER, we highly recommend following federal law regardless of what a “legal representative” said.

If you want to carry a firearm AND you have a concealed firearm permit, you MUST obtain a “permission letter” from the district commander allowing you to carry the firearm during your visit to the specific USACE property. Obtaining a letter DOES NOT allow you to carry a firearm into any federal facility.

Permission Letter To Carry A Firearm
Find out which district (not division) controls the property you wish to visit and send a message via their website using the following template.

———-

Hello,
I will be traveling to “LOCATION” in “MONTH” and plan to be on USACE property from “DATE” through “DATE”. I have a valid concealed firearm permit issued by the state of Utah “, which has reciprocity with “STATE”. I would like to inquire about obtaining from the “LOCATION” District Commander / District Chief of Operations a ‘Permission Letter’ allowing me to carry firearms while on USACE property during my visit.
My request is being made pursuant to the USACE memorandum dated May 14, 2018, allowing District Commanders or District Chief of Operations (if the authority is delegated to them) to grant such requests and issue such letters while still adhering to 36 CFR §327.13 Subsection (a) (4).
A link to the USACE Memorandum and Sample Letter is below.
https://corpslakes.erdc.dren.mil/employees/cecwon/pdfs/18May14-FirearmsPossessionGuidance.pdf

Thank you. I look forward to your response.
“YOUR FULL NAME”
“YOUR FULL MAILING ADDRESS”

———-

36 CFR §327.8 Hunting, fishing, and trapping.
(a) Hunting is permitted except in areas and during periods where prohibited by the District Commander.
(b) Trapping is permitted except in areas and during periods where prohibited by the District Commander.
(c) Fishing is permitted except in swimming areas, on boat ramps or other areas designated by the District Commander.
(d) Additional restrictions pertaining to these activities may be established by the District Commander.
(e) All applicable Federal, State and local laws regulating these activities apply on project lands and waters, and shall be regulated by authorized enforcement officials as prescribed in § 327.26.

36 CFR §327.25 Violations of rules and regulations.
(a) Any person who violates the provisions of the regulations in this part, other than for a failure to pay authorized recreation use fees as separately provided for in § 327.23, may be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months or both and may be tried and sentenced in accordance with the provisions of section 3401 of Title 18, United States Code. Persons designated by the District Commander shall have the authority to issue a citation for violation of the regulations in this part, requiring any person charged with the violation to appear before the United States Magistrate within whose jurisdiction the affected water resources development project is located (16 U.S.C. 460d).
(b) Any person who commits an act against any official or employee of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that is a crime under the provisions of section 111 or section 1114 of Title 18, United States Code or under provisions of pertinent state law may be tried and sentenced as further provided under Federal or state law, as the case may be.

36 CFR §327.26 State and local laws.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this part or by Federal law or regulation, state and local laws and ordinances shall apply on project lands and waters. This includes, but is not limited to, state and local laws and ordinances governing:
(1) Operation and use of motor vehicles, vessels, and aircraft;
(2) Hunting, fishing and trapping;
(3) Use or possession of firearms or other weapons;
(4) Civil disobedience and criminal acts;
(5) Littering, sanitation and pollution; and
(6) Alcohol or other controlled substances.
(b) These state and local laws and ordinances are enforced by those state and local enforcement agencies established and authorized for that purpose.

National Cemetaries

1 18 U.S. Code § 930

All National Cemeteries are considered federal property. See this law above under “Federal Buildings, Courthouses & Penalties”

9 32 CFR 553.33 Visitors rules for Army National Military Cemeteries.
(c) Conduct within Army National Military Cemeteries. Army National Military Cemeteries are a national shrine to the honored dead of the Armed Forces, and certain acts and activities, which may be appropriate elsewhere, are not appropriate in Army National Military Cemeteries. All visitors, including persons attending or taking part in memorial services and ceremonies, shall observe proper standards of decorum and decency while in an Army National Military Cemetery. Specifically, no person shall:
(14) Possess firearms without prior written permission from the Executive Director. This prohibition does not apply to law enforcement and military personnel in the performance of their official duties. In accordance with locally established policy, military and law enforcement personnel may be required to obtain advance permission from the Executive Director of the Army National Military Cemeteries prior to possessing firearms on the property of an Army National Military Cemetery.

32 CFR § 553.1 Definitions. As used in this part, the following terms have these meanings:
Army National Military Cemeteries. Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery.

Arlington National Cemetery     –     U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery

Indian Reservations

10 Indian Reservations are controlled by Tribal Law. You must check with each tribe BEFORE attempting to transport or carry a firearm or other weapon on their land. Some Indian Tribes consider federal and state highways through their property as under their control.

Utah Division of Indian Affairs
Utah is home to eight distinct tribal nations, each with a unique heritage that can be found among the state’s many sacred places, and expand across Colorado, Arizona and Nevada.

Note: A U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in United States v. Cooley (May 2021) held that a tribal police officer has authority to detain temporarily and to search non-Indian persons traveling on public rights-of-way running through a reservation for potential violations of state or federal law.

Tribal Law Enforcement
Cross deputization agreements
Allow law enforcement personnel from state and tribal entities to cross jurisdictions in criminal cases. Cross deputization agreements have been used to enhance law enforcement capabilities in areas where state and tribal lands were contiguous and intermingled. Under some agreements, federal, state, county/local, and/or tribal law enforcement officers have the power to arrest Indian and non-Indian wrongdoers wherever the violation of law occurs.
Tribal police powers
Authority to exercise criminal jurisdiction over all tribal members and the authority to arrest and detain non-Indians for delivery to state or federal authorities for prosecution. These tribal police powers are generally limited to tribal lands.

Page Updated: July 21st, 2022