Colorado Vehicle Firearm Carry Rules

Colorado Revised Statutes 18-12-105.5 expressly permits any person legally entitled to possess a firearm to keep a handgun in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance for lawful protection of self, family, or property while traveling. A concealed carry permit issued under CRS 18-12-203 is not required for vehicle carry, though it remains required to carry concealed on the person off-vehicle. Long guns may be transported openly or cased. Firearms remain prohibited inside school zones, federal buildings, and posted private property. The statute applies statewide and overrides conflicting local rules on in-vehicle carry, though local jurisdictions may regulate carry once a person exits the vehicle.

Carrying a firearm in a vehicle while ineligible to possess one is a Class 5 felony under CRS 18-12-108, punishable by up to 3 years prison and $100,000 fines.