You’re getting ready for a weekend trip through the Rockies. You pack up the car, double-check your gear, and then it hits you — should you bring your handgun? After all, safety is on your mind, especially when you’re traveling long distances or through unfamiliar areas. But before you stash your firearm in the glove box or console, one question stops you: can you carry a gun in your car in Colorado? You want to protect yourself and your family, not accidentally break the law trying to do the right thing.
At Colorado Handgun Safety, we understand how important it is to feel both safe and informed. As one of the state’s leading firearm safety educators, we’re here to walk you through what Colorado law actually says about transporting firearms in your vehicle so you can hit the road with confidence.
So, can you carry a gun in your car in Colorado? The short answer is yes — but the details matter, and knowing them helps you stay both safe and compliant. Let’s break it down.
Colorado Gun Laws for Vehicles
Colorado law allows you to carry a firearm in your car without a permit. This applies to both handguns and long guns, though the rules for each can differ.
- Handguns: You may carry a handgun loaded in your vehicle, including with a round in the chamber.
- Rifles and shotguns: If you’re carrying during hunting season and you have a valid license, you can have rounds in the magazine, but the chamber must remain empty. This law is meant to prevent unsafe situations and discourage illegal spotlight hunting.
So, can you carry a gun in your car in Colorado? Yes — but whether it’s a pistol or a rifle, you need to follow the specifics laid out in state statutes.
What About Concealed Carry?
Colorado is a shall-issue state, meaning residents who meet the requirements can obtain a concealed handgun permit. But even if you don’t have a concealed carry permit, you are legally allowed to keep a firearm concealed in your vehicle. This distinction is important: carrying concealed on your person outside your vehicle does require a permit, but your car is treated differently under Colorado law.
Local Restrictions and Exceptions
State laws apply broadly, but it’s also important to know that Colorado allows for local ordinances. For example, the City and County of Denver has stricter firearm rules than other parts of the state. While your concealed carry permit is valid statewide, local rules may affect open carry or firearm possession in specific public areas.
So, can you carry a gun in your car in Colorado, anywhere? No. You’ll need to stay on top of both state and local regulations. You may get different permissions depending on where you are in the state.
Local Ordinances by City
- Denver – Among the strictest; bans open carry in most public places.
- Colorado Springs – Generally follows state law; open carry is allowed with fewer restrictions.
- Aurora – May enforce added restrictions in certain municipal buildings.
- Boulder – Has implemented additional rules on assault-style weapons and magazine capacity.
- Pueblo – Largely aligned with state standards, but check for local signage or building rules.
- Fort Collins – Allows open carry with some restrictions near city buildings and facilities.
Why These Laws Exist
Colorado’s gun laws are designed to balance the right to bear arms with public safety. By requiring that long guns in vehicles remain unloaded in the chamber, lawmakers aim to reduce accidental discharges and unlawful hunting practices. For handguns, the law recognizes that many people carry for self-defense, making it legal to keep your firearm loaded and accessible in your vehicle.
Best Practices for Carrying in Your Car
Even when it’s legal, responsible gun owners go above and beyond the bare minimum. Here are a few ways to stay safe:
- Always secure your firearm in a holster or case.
- Avoid placing firearms loosely in a glove box or under a seat.
- Keep ammunition stored safely if your firearm isn’t for immediate use.
- Be mindful when traveling between counties or cities with different firearms ordinances.
Final Verdict: Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in Colorado?
Absolutely — but the specifics matter. Handguns may be loaded, rifles and shotguns have restrictions, and local ordinances can add layers of complexity.
At Colorado Handgun Safety, our goal is to give you the knowledge and training you need to navigate these laws with confidence. For more guidance on firearm safety, Colorado gun laws, and concealed carry training, explore our courses or contact us today to take the next step in your firearms education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Firearm Laws in Colorado
Can you carry a gun in your car in Colorado without a concealed carry license?
Yes. Under Colorado law, you do not need a concealed handgun permit to keep a firearm in your vehicle. A handgun may be concealed in your car, even if you don’t have a license, as long as you’re legally allowed to own a firearm.
Can I have my gun loaded in my car in Colorado?
Yes, handguns can be carried loaded in your vehicle, including with a round in the chamber. For rifles and shotguns, however, the chamber must be empty unless you are actively hunting with a valid license during the proper season.
Can you own an AR-15 in Colorado?
No, AR-15s will not be legal to purchase, sell, or manufacture in Colorado starting in August 2026, due to a new law that bans semi-automatic firearms with detachable magazines. While existing AR-15s will not be prohibited, individuals will no longer be able to buy or sell them after the effective date.
Can you carry a firearm in Colorado without a permit?
Yes, open carry of a firearm is generally legal in most of Colorado without a permit. However, there are exceptions. For example, the City and County of Denver prohibits open carry, and other municipalities may impose restrictions in government buildings or posted areas. Concealed carry outside of your vehicle does require a permit.
Do I need to be a Colorado resident to buy a gun in Colorado?
For handguns, yes — you must be a legal Colorado resident to purchase from a licensed dealer. Non-residents may purchase long guns like rifles or shotguns, provided the sale complies with both Colorado and their home state laws.
What prevents you from owning a gun in Colorado?
Certain restrictions apply under both state and federal law. You cannot legally own a firearm if you:
- Are under 18 (for long guns) or under 21 (for handguns)
- Are a convicted felon or prohibited under federal law
- Are subject to a restraining or protection order
- Have been convicted of perjury related to a concealed carry application
- Are an unlawful user of controlled substances
- Have been deemed a danger to yourself or others by the courts (red flag law)
Do I need a background check to buy a gun in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado requires universal background checks for all firearm sales — even private transactions. The only exceptions are certain family transfers, temporary use for hunting, or transfers for repair and maintenance.
Does Colorado have magazine restrictions?
Yes. Magazines that hold more than 15 rounds are generally prohibited unless they were lawfully owned prior to July 1, 2013. Some local jurisdictions, such as Boulder, impose even stricter capacity limits.
