Full text of Utah Utah Code § 5a-601 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5a-601. Definitions.
Effective 5/6/2026 53-5a-601.
Definitions. As used in this part:
(1)
"Antique firearm" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53-5a-101.5.
(2)
"Bureau" means the Bureau of Criminal Identification created in Section 53-10-201 within the department.
(3)
"Criminal history background check" means a criminal background check conducted through the bureau or a local law enforcement agency.
(4)
"Dangerous weapon" means the same as that term is defined in Section 76-11-101.
(5)
"Dealer" means a person who is:
(a)
licensed under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 923; and
(b)
engaged in the business of selling, leasing, or otherwise transferring a firearm or handgun, whether the person is a retail or wholesale dealer, pawnbroker, or other type of merchant or seller.
(6)
"Domestic violence" means the same as that term is defined in Section 77-36-1.
(7)
"Federal firearms licensee" means a person who:
(a)
holds a valid federal firearms license issued under 18 U.S.C. Sec. 923; and
(b)
is engaged in the activities authorized by the specific category of license held by the person.
(8)
(a)
"Firearm" means a pistol, revolver, shotgun, short barreled shotgun, rifle, or short barreled rifle, or a device that could be used as a dangerous weapon from which is expelled a projectile by action of an explosive.
(b)
"Firearm" does not include an antique firearm.
(9)
"NFA firearm" means a firearm as that term is defined in the National Firearms Act, 26 U.S.C. Sec. 5845.
(10)
(a)
"Short barreled rifle" means a rifle having a barrel or barrels of fewer than 16 inches in length.
(b)
"Short barreled rifle" includes a dangerous weapon made from a rifle by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if the weapon as modified has an overall length of fewer than 26 inches.
(11)
(a)
"Short barreled shotgun" means a shotgun having a barrel or barrels of fewer than 18 inches in length.
(b)
"Short barreled shotgun" includes a dangerous weapon made from a shotgun by alteration, modification, or otherwise, if the weapon as modified has an overall length of fewer than 26 inches.
(12)
"Shotgun" means a smooth bore firearm designed to fire cartridges containing pellets or a single slug.
(13)
"Slug" means a single projectile discharged from a shotgun shell.
Section 5a-601 ("Definitions.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 5a-601?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 5a-601" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 5a-601 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
