Where You Cannot Carry in Connecticut: Prohibited Places

Prohibited Locations for Concealed Carry in Connecticut

Connecticut law restricts the carrying of firearms, including handguns carried under a permit, in several specific locations. A Connecticut permit to carry handguns does not authorize the permit holder to carry handguns on any property where handguns are otherwise prohibited by law or by the person who owns or exercises control over the property (CGS § 29-28(e)).

Specifically Prohibited Locations

1. School Property

• Statute: CGS § 53a-217b
• It is illegal to possess firearms on any public or private elementary or secondary school property or at any school-sponsored event, knowing that one is not licensed or privileged to do so.
• Penalty: Class D felony
• Exceptions:
  • Peace officers carrying out their official duties
  • A person using a firearm in a school-approved program or school-sponsored activity
  • A person who has an agreement with the school allowing the firearm
  • A person crossing school property with an unloaded firearm to gain access to land for hunting or other lawful purposes, provided the local or regional board of education allows this entry

2. Legislative Buildings

• Statute: CGS § 2-1e
• Firearms are prohibited in any building where either chamber of the legislature is located or where a legislative committee is holding a public hearing.
• Interference with the legislative process involving firearms, dangerous or deadly weapons, or explosives is a felony.

3. State Parks and State Forests

• Regulation: Conn. Agencies Regs. § 23-4-1(c)
• DEEP regulations prohibit hunting or carrying firearms or other weapons in a state park or forest, with limited exceptions.
• A person may legally possess a handgun in a state park or forest only when:
  • Carrying the handgun for hunting small game (e.g., rabbits, squirrels) or participating in other authorized activities such as at a firearms range or during a hunter education class
  • Doing so at predetermined times in areas set aside by DEEP and posted for such purposes (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 26-66-2(d))
• Additional restriction: A person cannot use a handgun with centerfire ammunition to hunt on state-owned land. Handguns with ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire long rifle cartridges are also prohibited on state-owned lands (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 26-66-2(a)).
• Penalty for violation: Infraction with a total fine of $75; DEEP may evict the violator from the property for 24 hours and may prohibit entry to any state park for up to one year after conviction (CGS § 23-4(a)).

4. Private Property Where Prohibited by Owner

• Statute: CGS § 29-28(e)
• A carry permit does not authorize carrying handguns on any property where the person who owns or exercises control over the property prohibits handguns. Property owners and those who control property may prohibit firearms on their premises.

Additional Carry Restrictions

Carrying While Intoxicated

• Statute: CGS § 53-206d
• Carrying a firearm while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs is prohibited.
• Penalty: Class B misdemeanor

Carrying with Intent to Display

• Statute: CGS § 29-35
• Knowingly carrying any firearm with intent to display such firearm is prohibited.

Weapons in Vehicles

• Statute: CGS § 29-38
• Restrictions apply to weapons in vehicles.

Storage in Unattended Motor Vehicles

• The law generally prohibits storing or keeping a handgun in an unattended motor vehicle unless it is stored in:
  • The trunk
  • A locked safe
  • A locked glove box

Federal Lands (Appalachian Trail)

• Federal law allows anyone who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws to possess firearms on parts of the Appalachian Trail managed by the National Park Service (16 U.S.C. § 1a-7b).
• However, state laws and regulations apply to parts of the Appalachian Trail that pass through state-owned parks and forests, meaning the DEEP prohibition on carrying firearms in state parks applies in those sections.

Key Statutory References