Carrying a Gun in Your Car in Colorado: Vehicle Carry Laws

Carrying Firearms in Vehicles in Colorado

General Vehicle Carry Rules

Colorado law permits carrying firearms in vehicles under the following provisions:

Title 18 - Criminal Code

• Lawful Protection Exception: Colorado allows a person to carry a firearm in a vehicle if its use is for lawful protection of such person or another person's person or property. [C.R.S. 18-12-105(2)]

• Possession in an Automobile: Colorado law allows a person to possess a handgun in a dwelling, place of business, or automobile. However, when you carry the weapon into your home, business, hotel room, etc., it must be in plain view. [C.R.S. 18-12-105(2)]

• No Concealed Carry Permit Required in a Vehicle: A permit is not required and a handgun is not considered concealed when a person is in a private automobile or other private transportation. [C.R.S. 18-12-105(2)]

• Local Preemption: Local jurisdictions may not enact laws that restrict a person's ability to travel with a weapon. [C.R.S. 18-12-105.6]

Title 33 - Wildlife Laws

• Long Guns Must Have Unloaded Chambers: In accordance with Colorado wildlife laws, including C.R.S. 33-6-125, you may carry a weapon in your vehicle. However, it is unlawful for any person, except a person authorized by law or by the division (Colorado Parks and Wildlife), to possess or have under his control any firearm, other than a pistol or revolver, in or on any motor vehicle unless the chamber of such firearm is unloaded.

• Muzzle-Loaders: A muzzle-loader shall be considered unloaded if it is not primed. For this purpose, "primed" means having a percussion cap on the nipple or flint in the striker and powder in the flash pan.

Key Distinctions

Carrying in National Parks and National Forests

• National Parks: In accordance with 16 USC 1a-7b, in any national park in Colorado, a person may possess a firearm if such possession is in compliance with Colorado state law. However, firearms are prohibited in "Federal facilities" (visitor centers, administrative offices, maintenance buildings) per 18 USC 930. Such facilities will be clearly marked with signs at all public entrances.

• National Forests: You may carry a weapon while visiting National Forests in Colorado. However, you must comply with federal regulations pertaining to the use of a firearm on National Forest System lands. Discharge restrictions apply per 36 CFR 261.10(d):

  • Not within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area
  • Not across or on a Forest Development road or adjacent body of water
  • Not into or within any cave

Important Notes

• Both Title 18 and Title 33 statutes are enforceable by any certified peace officer in the state. It is the individual's responsibility to abide by all sections of each statute to be in compliance.
• Colorado prohibits gun registration. [C.R.S. 29-11.7-102]
• Open carry regulations are governed by local county and municipal authorities; check local municipal codes for specific restrictions.