Transport | Colorado Concealed Carry

Colorado Transportation Laws for Firearms

General Vehicle Transportation

Colorado law 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)]

Colorado law also 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)]

Concealed Carry in Vehicles

A concealed handgun permit (CHP) is not required when a person is in a private automobile or other private transportation - a handgun is not considered concealed in that context. [C.R.S. §18-12-105(2)]

However, if a person does hold a CHP, the permit and a valid photo identification must be carried with the handgun at all times.

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 Regulations

Under Colorado's wildlife statutes, you may carry a weapon in your vehicle. However, it is unlawful to have any firearm, other than a pistol or revolver, in or on any motor vehicle unless the chamber is unloaded. This means:

• Pistols and revolvers may be carried loaded in a vehicle.
• Rifles, shotguns, and other long guns must have an unloaded chamber when in or on a motor vehicle.

Secure Firearm Storage in a Vehicle (HB24-1348)

Effective January 1, 2025, Colorado enacted new requirements for storing firearms in unattended vehicles:

Handguns

• A person is prohibited from knowingly leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless:
  • The handgun is stored in a locked hard-sided container
  • The container is placed out of plain view
  • The container is in a locked vehicle, the locked trunk of a locked vehicle, or a locked recreational vehicle

Firearms Other Than Handguns (Long Guns)

• A person is prohibited from knowingly leaving a non-handgun firearm in an unattended vehicle unless:
  • The firearm is stored in a locked hard-sided or soft-sided container
  • The container is placed out of plain view
  • The container is in a locked vehicle, the locked trunk of a locked vehicle, or a locked recreational vehicle
  • If stored in a soft-sided container, a locking device must be installed on the firearm

Exceptions to Vehicle Storage Requirements

• Persons with a disability who store a firearm in a locked soft-sided container do not violate the hard-sided container requirement
• Antique firearms
• Non-handgun firearms in a vehicle being used for farm or ranch operations
• A person who lives in a vehicle or in a recreational vehicle
• Peace officers and active members of the armed forces
• Certain activities related to lawful hunting

Penalty

• Unsafe storage of a firearm in a vehicle is a civil infraction

Transportation Through National Parks

In accordance with 16 USC §1a-7b, in any national park, a person may possess a firearm if such possession is in compliance with the laws of the state in which the national park is located. Therefore, Colorado's laws apply in national parks within the state.

However, under 18 USC §930, firearms are prohibited within "Federal facilities" (buildings or parts thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government where Federal employees are regularly present for official duties). In national parks, such facilities may include visitor centers, administrative offices, and maintenance buildings. These facilities will be clearly marked with signs at all public entrances.

Transportation in National Forests

While visiting National Forests in Colorado, you may carry a weapon. However, in addition to state laws, you must comply with Federal Regulations pertaining to the use of a firearm on National Forest System lands.

A firearm may not be discharged in the following National Forest areas per 36 CFR §261.10(d):

1. Within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site, or occupied area
2. Across or on a Forest Development road or an adjacent body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage
3. Into or within any cave

Recent Legislation Note - SB25-003 (Signed April 10, 2025)

While not directly a transportation law, SB25-003 prohibits the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, and purchase of specified semiautomatic firearms (effective August 1, 2026) with certain exceptions including completion of approved firearms safety courses. This may affect what firearms can be legally acquired and subsequently transported in Colorado. Persons who already lawfully possess such firearms are not prohibited from continued possession or transportation under existing law.