Denver, CO Firearms: Firearms in Vehicles (2026)
Key Facts
- Statute
- C.R.S. 18-12-105
- Loaded handgun
- Allowed in private car
- Long gun hunting
- Unloaded transport
- City vehicles
- Firearms banned
Summary
Colorado C.R.S. 18-12-105 lets non-permit holders carry a handgun in a private vehicle for lawful protection of person or property. Long guns must be unloaded under hunting rules. Denver bans firearms inside city-owned vehicles and parking structures.
18-12-105.6. Limitation on local ordinances regarding firearms in private vehicles. (1) The general assembly hereby finds that: (a) A person carrying a weapon in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance for hunting or for lawful protection of such person's or another's person or property, as permitted in sections 18-12-105 (2)(b) and 18-12-105.5 (3)(c), may tend to travel within a county, city and county, or municipal jurisdiction or in or through different county, city and county, and municipal jurisdictions, en route to the person's destination; (b) Inconsistent laws exist in local jurisdictions with regard to the circumstances under which weapons may be carried in automobiles and other private means of conveyance.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under C.R.S. 18-12-105, an adult lawfully in possession of a handgun may carry it in a private vehicle within Colorado without a concealed handgun permit, including loaded, for the protection of self or property. Long guns transported during hunting must be unloaded under C.R.S. 33-6-125. Denver follows state rules for travel on public roads but bans firearms inside city-owned vehicles, government parking structures, and posted facilities under DRMC 38-117.5. Concealed handgun permit holders may carry loaded under C.R.S. 18-12-201. Federal Gun-Free School Zone Act applies near schools. Open carry inside a vehicle is allowed by state but visible display can prompt police contact during stops.
Violations & Fines
Unlawful carrying in a vehicle outside C.R.S. 18-12-105 protections is a class 2 misdemeanor with up to one hundred twenty days jail and seven hundred fifty dollar fines, plus federal charges near school zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a loaded handgun in my glove box driving in Denver?
Are firearms allowed in Denver-owned parking garages?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado firearms overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.