Connecticut Statewide Rule
Connecticut Vehicle Firearm Carry Rules
Key Facts
- Permit Authority
- State pistol permit required for vehicle carry
- Requirement
- CGS 29-35 governs carrying pistols and revolvers
- Requirement
- CGS 29-38 covers weapons in motor vehicles
- Requirement
- Long guns must generally be unloaded in vehicles
- Permit Authority
- Penalties include felony charges and permit revocation
Summary
Connecticut requires a state-issued permit to carry a pistol or revolver in a motor vehicle, with strict storage rules for those without a permit under CGS 29-35 and 29-38.
(a) Any person who knowingly has, in any vehicle owned, operated or occupied by such person, any weapon, any pistol or revolver for which a proper permit has not been issued as provided in section 29-28 or any machine gun which has not been registered as required by section 53-202, shall be guilty of a class D felony, and the presence of any such weapon, pistol or revolver, or machine gun in any vehicle shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section by the owner, operator and each occupant thereof. The word "weapon", as used in this section, means any BB. gun, any blackjack, any metal or brass knuckles, any police baton or nightstick, any dirk knife or switch knife, any knife having an automatic spring release device by which a blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches in length, any stiletto, any knife the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches or more in length, any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon, as defined in section 53a-3, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument.
Full Breakdown
Under Connecticut General Statutes Section 29-35, no person shall carry any pistol or revolver upon their person, including within a motor vehicle, except when at their residence or place of business, without a valid state pistol permit. CGS 29-38 prohibits knowingly having a weapon in a vehicle without proper authorization. Long guns transported in vehicles must generally be unloaded. The permit requirement applies statewide and preempts any local rules attempting to expand or contract these standards. Violations are felonies in many circumstances.
Violations & Penalties
Carrying without a permit is a class D or C felony depending on circumstances; weapons in vehicles without authorization carry separate felony penalties under CGS 29-38.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a handgun in my glove box without a permit in Connecticut?
Does Connecticut recognize out-of-state carry permits?
Sources
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