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Bill Peterson

• June 28, 2023

Can I Carry a Gun in My Car?

From moving to regular travel, there are various situations where you may need to carry a gun in your car. But does that mean you can do so legally? The answer depends on a few different factors, including where you live and where you’re driving to.

At Colorado Handgun Safety, education is one of our core values. Part of being a responsible gun owner is knowing the rules and laws in Colorado so you can keep yourself and others safe. We’ll go over whether or not you can carry a gun in your car in Colorado, what laws you need to be aware of, and other travel-related gun questions you may have.

Colorado Firearm Laws and Vehicles

According to the Colorado Department of Public Safety, you can openly carry a firearm in a private vehicle to protect another person or property, regardless of a permit. However, it is unlawful to have guns, other than pistols or revolvers, in or on any motor vehicle unless the chambers are unloaded. Are you traveling to another state? Check out this updated reciprocity list to see if the laws in Colorado carry over. Colorado shares reciprocity with 33 other states, so hopefully, you’re in the clear!

Carrying a Gun To a Hotel

So, you’re traveling with your gun and staying in a hotel. Can you bring it inside? If you have a CCW or are staying at a hotel in a permitless carry state, it’s best to ask the hotel beforehand, as different hotels can have varying policies. If they allow guns, make sure you bring yours in unloaded. You can store it in a hotel safe or locked in your vehicle. Be aware of theft and consider taking it out of your room when you’re going out. 

How To Drive Safely With a Firearm

If you want to carry a gun in your car, it’s vital to keep it secure but also easily accessible. It’s a difficult challenge to achieve! Fortunately, there are many ways to drive safely with a firearm but still have it in close reach if necessary. We suggest:

Avoiding the glove compartment

Glove compartments are great for storing many things, just not guns! It doesn’t take a lot of strength to pry open a glove compartment or console, even if they have locks. It’s better to play it safe and invest in better security.

Investing in secure, temporary storage

Certain lockable gun cases or boxes are designed specifically for car use. There are many models to choose from, and they come in various price ranges, so you can find the perfect one to meet your needs.

But do these lockable cases still give you easy access to your firearm if necessary? Yes, they do! Most lockable cases are designed for fast access while preventing unauthorized access. It’s the best of both worlds. There are also holsters for the car that can be excellent options.

Not advertising it

While it may be tempting to slap a cool bumper sticker on your car about owning or liking firearms, it’s best not to. You don’t want to advertise to potential thieves that they could score. Also, only keep your gun in the car when it’s necessary. Once you’re home, you should take it out to minimize theft. It will take more than a few locks to deter a potential thief, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Becoming a gun safety expert

Before you bring a firearm into your vehicle, take note of the muzzle direction. If you’re traveling with your gun for hunting purposes or just used it on the range, unload it before putting it back in your car. Be careful, and don’t be afraid to double-check that it’s unloaded and secure before you leave. Make sure your firearm isn’t accessible to children or pets, and always be aware that you’re in the confined space of a vehicle. If your firearm discharges, things could get bad fast.

Reaching out to Colorado Handgun Safety

Colorado Handgun Safety offers comprehensive classes on concealed carry permits, firearms safety training, shotgun and rifle courses, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gun owner, we highly recommend educating yourself and taking refresher courses. There’s no such thing as learning too much about gun safety.

Colorado Handgun Safety Is Here to Answer Your Questions

So, you can carry a gun in your car, but doing so safely is of the utmost importance. Having a firearm in any confined space presents risks, and securing your weapon while on the road is necessary. Plus, you must follow all state laws, especially if traveling to other states. It’s a lot of information to remember, but Colorado Handgun Safety and our team of firearm experts are here to help answer your questions. We know that education can make all the difference.

For more information on our in-depth gun safety and training classes or to ask us questions about how to carry your firearm in your vehicle or obtain your CCW, contact us today. We look forward to meeting with you.

Get the Best Firearm Training from Colorado Handgun Safety

Colorado Handgun Safety offers a wide variety of classes to meet the needs of all types of gun owners. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced shooter, our classes provide the knowledge and skills necessary for safe and responsible firearm ownership. Plus, our classes are taught by certified instructors with years of firearm experience. We offer basic handgun safety classes as well as more advanced courses, such as concealed carry, self-defense, and private shooting sessions. Our goal is to ensure that all gun owners are educated and responsible in the handling of their firearms. Visit our schedule to learn more about our classes or give us a call today!

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In Colorado, a person may carry a concealed firearm, regardless of a permit, while in a private automobile or other private conveyance, for lawful protection while traveling. 1 Colorado law provides that local governments may not restrict a person’s ability to travel in a private automobile or other private conveyance while in possession of a firearm for hunting or lawful protection while traveling. 2

Colorado prohibits any person from possessing or having under his or her control any firearm other than a handgun in or on any motor vehicle unless the chamber of the firearm is unloaded. 3

Subject to limited exceptions, the state prohibits any person from operating or riding on any snowmobile with a long gun in his or her possession, unless it is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case. Since March, 2020, Colorado has allowed people to carry loaded handguns on snowmobiles. 4

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Our experts can speak to the full spectrum of gun violence prevention issues. Have a question? Email us at [email protected].

• Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105(2)(b). See also Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-204(3), providing that no permit is required to carry a handgun within a private automobile or other private conveyance if the handgun is carried for a legal use and the possessor is not prohibited from possessing a firearm by law. [ ↩ ]
• Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105.6(2)(b). [ ↩ ]
• Colo. Rev. Stat. § 33-6-125. [ ↩ ]
• Colo. Rev. Stat. § 33-14-117(1)(b). [ ↩ ]

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Understanding Colorado’s Gun Laws: A Comprehensive Guide

• March 6, 2024

Navigating the complex terrain of gun laws in the United States can be a daunting task, with each state boasting its own set of regulations and stipulations. Colorado, known for its majestic mountains and vibrant outdoor life, is no exception. This blog post aims to elucidate the gun laws governing the Centennial State, offering residents and visitors alike a clearer understanding of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to firearm ownership and usage.

What Are the Gun Laws in Colorado?

Colorado’s gun laws strike a balance between protecting the rights of individuals to bear arms and ensuring public safety. The state follows federal regulations as a baseline but has also enacted its own laws to address specific concerns. Key points include:

• Background Checks: Colorado requires background checks for all gun sales, including private and online sales, through licensed dealers. This is to ensure that firearms do not fall into the hands of those prohibited by law from owning them, such as felons or individuals with a history of domestic violence.
• Open Carry: With certain local restrictions, open carry is generally legal in Colorado for individuals who are legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, Denver, the state’s capital, bans the open carry of firearms.
• Concealed Carry: Colorado issues concealed carry permits to residents who meet specific criteria, allowing them to carry concealed firearms.

Colorado Gun Laws Waiting Period

Unlike some states that impose a mandatory waiting period between the purchase and possession of a firearm, Colorado does not have such a requirement. Once a background check is completed and approved, an individual can immediately take possession of the firearm.

How to Get a Concealed Carry License in Colorado

Obtaining a concealed carry license in Colorado involves several steps:

• Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 21 years old, Colorado residents, and legally able to possess a firearm.
• Firearms Training Course: Complete a firearms training course from a certified instructor.
• Application Submission: Submit an application to the local county sheriff’s office, along with the required fee, proof of training, and fingerprints.
• Background Check: Undergo a background check conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Upon approval, the license is valid for five years and can be renewed.

What Is Concealed Carry Reciprocity?

Concealed carry reciprocity refers to the agreement between states to recognize each other’s concealed carry permits. Colorado honors concealed carry permits from states that meet specific criteria, including having a background check system as stringent as Colorado’s. However, Colorado residents must have a Colorado-issued permit to carry concealed in the state.

Can You Carry a Gun in Colorado Without a Permit?

In Colorado, you can carry a gun without a permit if the firearm is in plain view (open carry), subject to local restrictions. Concealed carry without a permit, however, is illegal and can result in significant legal consequences.

Colorado Gun Laws Magazine Capacity

In an effort to enhance public safety, Colorado has restrictions on the capacity of magazines. It is illegal to sell, transfer, or possess magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition. This law, enacted in response to mass shootings, aims to reduce the potential for large-scale violence.

Colorado’s approach to gun laws reflects a concerted effort to safeguard the rights of its citizens while prioritizing public safety. Understanding these regulations is crucial for anyone looking to own or carry a firearm in the state. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, staying informed about your legal obligations and rights can help ensure a safe and lawful experience with firearms in Colorado.

This overview serves as a starting point for navigating Colorado’s gun laws. For more detailed information or specific legal advice, consulting with a legal expert or the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is recommended. As laws can evolve, keeping abreast of the latest legislation is essential for responsible gun ownership and usage in the state.

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Colorado Gun Laws 2023 - What Residents And Tourists Need To Know

Many people have long viewed Colorado as a reflection of the Wild West, where rugged individualism and free-spiritedness reign. While this image certainly has some truth to it, it is important to remember that we are still subject to the rule of law. Specifically, Colorado has specific gun laws that must be adhered to by all residents and visitors. It's essential to remember that just because we may have a romanticized view of the Wild West doesn't mean that we can disregard these crucial regulations.

It is of utmost importance for individuals, whether they are residents or visitors, to familiarize themselves with the most up-to-date gun laws in Colorado . Over the past few years, the state has undergone several changes to its firearm regulations, and comprehending what is permissible and what is not is crucial to steer clear of any legal consequences. Regardless of whether you are a gun owner, an enthusiast, or just visiting the state, having knowledge of Colorado's firearm laws is crucial to guarantee that you comply with the law. By being aware of and following Colorado's gun laws, we can strike a balance between our love for our state's rich history and our commitment to maintaining a safe and lawful society. So, let's delve into the recent developments in Colorado's gun laws and make certain that we are all responsible and well-informed firearm users.

Colorado Gun Laws Prohibit Certain People From Possessing Firearms

According to Colorado gun laws in 2023, possessing or carrying a gun, even one that is legally owned, is illegal under specific circumstances. These include:

• Being the subject of a protective order that prohibits gun possession
• Being a fugitive from justice, being addicted to a controlled substance
• Being adjudicated as a “mentally defective” or committed to a mental institution
• Being illegally or unlawfully present in the United States
• Being discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions
• Anyone convicted of a violent misdemeanor within the last five years

Additionally, those who have renounced their U.S. citizenship or have been convicted of certain crimes under state or federal law are also prohibited from possessing firearms.

Before purchasing a firearm, individuals must pass a universal background check administered by a licensed firearms dealer, regardless of whether the transaction takes place in private or in public, such as at a shop or a gun show. There is no mandatory waiting period when purchasing a firearm, but individuals must be at least 18 years old to buy a rifle or shotgun and at least 21 years old to buy a handgun. Colorado does not require firearm registration by state law, despite stricter gun laws following the Columbine Massacre in 1999.

2023 Colorado Gun Laws - What’s Legal To Own?

In Colorado, there are certain firearms that are legal to possess. These can include:

• Other firearms with a barrel more than 12 inches in length (excluding any revolving, detachable, or magazine breech)
• Full-length rifles (long guns)
• Full-length shotguns.

Additionally, antique firearms manufactured no later than 1898 and firearms defined as curios or relics under U.S. law are also considered legal to possess. Individuals who are otherwise permitted to possess firearms may open carry these weapons in the state without needing a permit. However, there are some locations where the concealed or open carrying of firearms is prohibited. It is crucial for gun owners and enthusiasts to understand and follow these laws to ensure they remain on the right side of the law and promote a safe and lawful society.

What Guns Are Illegal Under Colorado Gun Laws?

In Colorado, it's important to know which firearms are illegal to possess. While handguns, pistols, revolvers, long guns, antique firearms, and curios or relics are legal to possess, certain guns and gun accessories have been classified under state and federal law as dangerous weapons and are prohibited. Examples of such guns include:

• Armor-piercing ammunition
• Firearm silencers
• Machine guns
• Short, or sawed-off shotguns and rifles
• Defaced firearms
• Large-capacity ammunition magazines purchased after July 1, 2013.

However, if you obtain an NFA tax stamp, you may possess certain short-barreled shotguns, short-barreled rifles, machine guns, and silencers.

It's important to note that localities may pass gun laws that are more restrictive than state law. For instance, in 2022, Boulder County passed five ordinances that:

• Prohibit anyone under 21 from buying a gun
• Implement a 10-day waiting period for buying guns
• Forbid carrying guns in government buildings, parks, and within 500 feet of polling stations, healthcare facilities, places of worship, daycares, preschools, and other sensitive public areas in unincorporated Boulder
• Criminalize the making, importing, buying, selling, or transferring of assault weapons, large-capacity gun magazines, or rapid-fire trigger activators in unincorporated Boulder,
• Ban ghost guns.

It's also worth noting that the Colorado Supreme Court recently upheld a ban on large-capacity gun magazines.

Penalties For Violating Colorado Gun Laws In 2023

Unlawful gun possession can result in serious legal consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. The severity of the penalties varies depending on the offense. Still, the consequences of a conviction can be life-altering, potentially affecting employment opportunities, housing, and other aspects of one's life.

Unlawful Purchase Of A Firearm Penalties

Under CRS 18-12-111, it is a criminal offense in Colorado to purchase or acquire firearms for another person who is prohibited from possessing guns, and such action is considered a class 4 felony. The punishment for this offense may include imprisonment for 2 to 6 years, a fine ranging from $2,000 to $500,000, and forfeiture of the unlawfully obtained firearms.

Prohibited Use Of A Weapon Penalties

Colorado law CRS § 18-12-106 forbids aiming, throwing, or firing certain weapons and also prohibits possession of firearms while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances. A first-time offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, if the individual has a previous conviction for prohibited use of a weapon, unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon, or possession of a defaced firearm within the past five years, a violation of CRS 18-12-106 is a felony. Felony use of a prohibited weapon can result in up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm

In Colorado, the penalties for gun possession crimes vary depending on the offense committed.

• Possession of a dangerous weapon is considered a Class 5 felony and is punishable by one to three years in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
• Possession of an illegal weapon or a defaced firearm is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor and can lead to a prison sentence of six to 18 months and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
• Possession of a weapon by a previous offender (POWPO) is a Class 6 felony punishable by one year to 18 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
• Possession of a handgun by a juvenile is a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by three to 12 months in jail. These penalties are severe and can have life-altering consequences.

In conclusion, understanding and following Colorado's gun laws is crucial for both residents and visitors. The state has specific regulations that must be adhered to, including prohibiting certain individuals from possessing firearms and classifying certain guns and gun accessories as dangerous weapons. Violating these laws can result in serious legal consequences, such as fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record. It is recommended to hire a gun crimes lawyer to ensure compliance with the law and to protect oneself from any legal consequences. By being responsible and well-informed firearm users, we can strike a balance between our love for our state's rich history and our commitment to maintaining a safe and lawful society.

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DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.

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Gun Laws for 50 States — Don’t Get Busted While Traveling

Will you be traveling (with guns) to other states this summer? Are you concerned about the laws that might apply when you are transporting firearms across state lines? Or are you puzzled about the requirements for obtaining a carry permit in your own state? If you have any of these questions, you should definitely get expert guidance on State statutes and regulations controlling firearms. To do that, you can purchase Attorney Scott Kappas’s Traveler’s Guide to the Firearms Laws of the 50 States for just $11.85 on Amazon . The latest 2022 edition includes 100+ updates since last year. In addition, there are multiple new and expanded sections for 2022.

MORE INFO at GunlawGuide.com | CLICK HERE for Sample Pages

Free State Law Summaries Online

If you don’t want to spend the $12-$16 bucks, there is a FREE alternative. There’s a very helpful set of State Law Summaries on the web, presented by PewPewTactical.com . Despite the silly name, the PewPewTactical website has an abundance of information that is particularly beneficial for pistol shooters and CCW holders.

One of the best features of PewPewTactical.com is the Gun Laws by State online reference guide. We looked through four of these State Law Summaries and were impressed by the depth of the coverage. But we caution — if you have specific legal questions, particularly with recently-enacted statutes, you should consult a licensed attorney for your state (or the state to which you will travel). In addition, many of the State Law Summaries have not been updated for 3-5 YEARS! But they are still a good place to start. Below are links to state law articles from PewPewTactical.com. To access any State summary, simply click the State name below:

Gun Laws by State — FREE Summaries

CLICK state name to access each article.

Similar Posts:

• Know the Law — Resources Explain Gun Laws in All 50 States
• Know the Law — Don’t Get Busted When Traveling with Firearms
• Don’t Get Busted — Learn the Gun Laws in All 50 U.S. States
• Don’t Get Busted — Learn the Gun Laws in America’s 50 States
• Gun Laws By State — FREE Detailed Guides to State Regulations

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Colorado Gun Laws (With 2024 Legal Updates)

Colorado state law allows residents aged 18 and older to own or possess legal firearms and ammunition unless they are otherwise prohibited from doing so. You must be at least 21 years old to purchase handguns, and you must be at least 18 to purchase long guns in Colorado.

To help you better understand Colorado’s gun laws , our  Denver Colorado criminal defense lawyers discuss the following:

1. Who is prohibited from owning a gun in Colorado?

2. what are the consequences of unlawful gun possession, 3. what guns are legal in colorado, 4. what guns are illegal in colorado, 5. where may i legally carry a gun, 6. who may legally obtain a ccw, 7. are ghost guns legal, 8. does colorado have a red flag law, 9. list of related gun offenses.

• 10. Additional resources

You may not legally possess or carry a gun in Colorado (even an otherwise legal one) if:

• You are subject to a protective order that prohibits gun possession;
• You are a fugitive from justice;
• You are an unlawful user of, or addicted to, any controlled substance;
• You have been adjudicated as a “mental defective” or have been committed to any mental institution;
• You are illegally or unlawfully in the United States;
• You have been admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa;
• You have been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
• You have renounced your U.S. citizenship; or
• any crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year,
• an attempt to commit a felony ,
• an act that would constitute a felony if committed in Colorado, or
• a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence (unless the misdemeanor involved no force or threats of force).

Note that would-be gun owners must pass a CO Bureau of Investigations (CBI) universal background check by a licensed firearms dealer in order to purchase a firearm. A licensed gun dealer is necessary even in private sales and at gun shows. As of October 1, 2023, there is a three-day mandatory waiting period when buying a gun.

Also, note that you must be at least 21 years old to buy handguns in Colorado and at least 18 years old to buy rifles. Anyone convicted of a violent misdemeanor within the last five years may not purchase a gun at all.

Although gun laws have gotten stricter since the Columbine Massacre in 1999, you do not have to register firearms that you buy. State law forbids firearm registries. 1

See our related article, Do you have to register guns in Colorado?

Possession of a weapon by a previous offender (POWPO) is a class 5 felony . POWPO penalties include:

• 1 to 3 years in Colorado State Prison, and/or
• $1,000 to $100,000 in fines . 2

Legal firearms include:

• Handguns, pistols, revolvers, or other firearms with a barrel more than 12” in length (not counting any revolving, detachable, or magazine breech),
• Full-length rifles (long guns),
• Full-length shotguns,
• Antique firearms manufactured no later than 1898, and
• Firearms defined as curios or relics under U.S. law. 3

People otherwise permitted to possess firearms may open carry these weapons in the state, and no permit is necessary for open carry. (There are some locations where the concealed or open carrying of firearms is prohibited.)

See our related article, Colorado Gun Storage Laws – What You Need to Know .

Silencers are illegal in the state of Colorado unless you one in accordance with NFA tax stamp rules.

Guns that are illegal to own include (but are not limited to) any gun or gun accessory that has been classified under federal or state law as a dangerous weapon , including:

• Armor-piercing ammunition,
• Firearm silencers,
• Machine guns and machine gun conversion devices,
• Short shotguns (those having a barrel or barrels less than eighteen inches long or an overall length of less than twenty-six inches),
• Short rifles (those with a barrel less than sixteen inches long or an overall length of less than twenty-six inches),
• Any defaced firearm (that is, one in which the manufacturer’s serial number, or other distinguishing number or identification mark, has been removed, defaced, altered, or destroyed, except by normal wear and tear), and
• Large capacity ammunition magazines (capable of holding more than 15 rounds), if purchased after July 1, 2013. 4

However, you can possess certain short barreled shotguns (SBSs), short barreled rifles (SBRs), machine guns, and silencers if you obtain an NFA tax stamp .

Localities may pass gun laws that are more restrictive than state law. Some cities like Denver ban the open carry of firearms. Denver also banned the possession of assault weapons . Should you need a Denver gun crime lawyer , give us a call for a consultation.

In 2022, Boulder County passed five ordinances that

• Prohibit anyone under 21 from buying a gun;
• Implement a 10-day waiting period for buying guns;
• Forbid carrying guns in government buildings, parks, and within 500 feet of polling stations, healthcare facilities, places of worship, daycares and preschools, and other sensitive public areas in unincorporated Boulder.
• Criminalize the making, importing, buying, selling, or transferring of assault weapons, large-capacity gun magazines (LCMs), or rapid-fire trigger activators in unincorporated Boulder.
• Ban ghost guns 5

Also note that the Colorado Supreme Court recently upheld a ban on large-capacity gun magazines. It is not a violation of rights to limit magazines to 15 rounds . 6

State residents who may lawfully possess guns may carry :

• A lawful firearm in a private automobile / motor vehicle for the purpose of protecting their own or someone else’s property or self-defense while traveling; 7
• A lawful firearm in their home or place of dwelling, private property, or a business they own; or
• They are a current or retired state law enforcement officer or member of the military permanently stationed in Colorado;
• They hold, and have on their person, a current, valid Colorado permit to carry a concealed handgun; or
• They hold, and have on their person, a current, valid permit to carry a concealed handgun issued by a state that has reciprocity of concealed weapons laws with Colorado

Under the state’s carry laws, firearms are prohibited in public buildings with security checkpoints, such as courthouses. People may carry firearms in national forests in the state, but they must abide by federal regulations as well as state laws. In national parks, 18 USC 930, prohibits guns or other dangerous weapons within “federal facilities” such as visitor centers.

Note that openly carrying guns in vehicles is banned in Denver, though people traveling through Denver from other jurisdictions should not get arrested under Colorado’s “peaceable journey law.” People may not possess firearms on a snowmobile unless it is unloaded, in a case, or in a scabbard.

Also note that state gun laws do not preempt local gun laws. However CCW-permit-holders are often exempt from local laws.

For a list of states with current concealed firearms reciprocity with Colorado, see the Colorado Bureau of Investigation Department of Public Safety’s page on Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Reciprocity . 8

Colorado is a shall issue state for CCW permits. You can obtain a Colorado concealed carry permit if:

• You are a legal resident of the state of Colorado or you or an immediate family member is in the armed forces and is stationed pursuant to permanent duty station orders at a military installation in the state;
• You are twenty-one years of age or older;
• You are not ineligible to possess a firearm under state or federal law;
• You have not been convicted of perjury under CRS 18-8-503 in relation to information provided or deliberately omitted on a concealed carry permit application;
• You do not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that your normal faculties are impaired (unless a licensed professional counselor or addiction counselor specializing in alcohol addiction confirms you are a recovering alcoholic who has refrained from using alcohol for at least three years);
• You are not an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance;
• You are not subject to a protection order that prohibits you from carrying a firearm; and
• You submit documentary proof of handgun competency, such as a safety course.

Unlike residents, non-residents usually cannot get Colorado CCW state permits unless they show good cause.

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act allows qualified law enforcement agency officers and peace officers (current and retired) to carry concealed firearms even when state and local laws forbid concealed carry. (This amends the Gun Control Act of 1968 .)

For more information on becoming a permittee to carry a concealed weapon, please see our article “How to Become a Permit Holder for Carrying a Concealed Handgun in Colorado”–CRS 18-12-203 . You need to apply at your local sheriff’s office.

No. As of January 1, 2024, it is illegal to possess, transport, sell, or buy a ghost gun (guns or gun parts without a serial number). 9 A first time offense is a  class 1 misdemeanor , carrying:

• up to 364 days in jail and/or $1,000, and
• a 5-year ban on the Colorado FBI approving a firearm transfer to you.

Subsequent offenses are class 5 felonies , carrying:

• 1 to 3 years in state prison and/or $1,000 to $100,000 in fines, and
• a lifetime ban on firearms. 10

Only people over 21 may buy handguns in Colorado.

Yes. Colorado’s red flag law permits police, family members, household members, health care providers, mental health providers, district attorneys and teachers to ask a judge to issue an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) against a person deemed to be an “extreme risk” to others or themselves. ERPO s prohibit the person named in it (“respondent”) from

• possessing or
• buying guns.

To obtain an ERPO, the “petitioner” has to submit an affidavit to the court. The court will hold a temporary ERPO hearing the same day to determine whether a preponderance of the evidence shows that the respondent poses a significant risk by having guns.

If the court issues the temporary ERPO, it will hold another hearing within 14 days to determine whether clear and convincing evidence exists to continue the ERPO for another 364 days. The respondent at this hearing can have their own attorney or rely on a court-appointed attorney .

During the 364-day ERPO, the respondent can ask the court one time to terminate it. But the respondent bears the burden to show by clear and convincing evidence that they are no longer a threat to themselves or others.

The original petitioner can also ask the court to extend the 364-day ERPO. The petitioner would need to show by clear and convincing evidence that there is still a significant risk if the respondent has firearms.

If and when the ERPO expires, the police must return the respondents’ firearms within three days of the respondent requesting their return. 11

Also see the Colorado Office of Gun Violence Protection .

In addition to laws against crimes that can be committed with a firearm (such as homicide, assault and robbery), Colorado has a number of offenses addressed specifically at guns.

Such laws include (but are not limited to):

• Unlawfully carrying a gun within 100 feet of a polling station or drop box — CRS 1-13-724 (“Vote without Fear Act”)
• Unlawfully carrying of firearms that are concealed — CRS 18–12–105
• Unlawfully carrying a weapon on school grounds — CRS 18–12–105.5
• Prohibited use of weapons — CRS 18–12–106
• Use of stun guns — CRS 18–12–106.5
• Illegal discharge of a firearm — CRS 18–12–107.5
• Possession of weapons by previous offenders — CRS 18–12–108
• Possession of handguns by juveniles — CRS 18–12–108.5
• Unlawfully providing or permitting a juvenile to possess a handgun — CRS 18–12–108.7
• Unlawful purchase of firearms — CRS 18–12–111
• Large-Capacity Magazines Prohibited — CRS 18–12–302
• Shooting from a public road — CRS 33-6-126

Partly as a response to the King Sooper mass shooting in Boulder in 2021, Colorado law now requires people to responsibly and securely store guns not in use in order to prevent access by unsupervised juveniles and other unauthorized users. Unlawful storage of a firearm is a class 2 misdemeanor , punishable by

• up to 120 days in jail and/or
• up to $750 in fines. 12

As of January 1, 2025, guns in vehicles must be stored in a locked container out of plain view. Examples include a locked glove compartment or center console. Violations are civil infractions carrying up to $100. 13

Also note that people have five days to report to police the loss or theft of a firearm . A first offense of failing to report a lost or stolen gun is a civil infraction carrying $25 in fines. Successive violations are misdemeanors carrying up to $500 . 14

Finally, note that Colorado is a castle doctrine state. People may use deadly force if necessary to protect themselves inside of their homes.

Additional resources

For more information, refer to these recent news articles:

• Colorado wants to hire lawyers to prosecute gun crimes in federal court, some of which are no longer illegal under state law – The Colorado Sun .
• Judge blocks Colorado law raising age to purchase a gun to 21 – PBS News Hour.
• Gun owners and conservative groups file lawsuit against Colorado’s new ghost-gun law – The Denver Post .
• Gun rights advocates have lost Colorado’s elections — but they may win the legal war – CPR News.
• Colorado’s grade on gun control improves to A minus, says Giffords center – Colorado Politics .

Legal references:

(a) A determination by a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority that a person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, or mental illness, incompetency, condition, or disease:

(1) Is a danger to himself or to others; or (2) Lacks the mental capacity to contract or manage his own affairs.

(b) The term shall include –

(1) A finding of insanity by a court in a criminal case; and (2) Those persons found  incompetent to stand trial  or found not guilty by reason of lack of mental responsibility pursuant to articles 50a and 72b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. 850a, 876b.

• CRS 18-12-108. SB21-271 .

Firearms which are of special interest to collectors by reason of some quality other than is associated with firearms intended for sporting use or as offensive or defensive weapons. To be recognized as curios or relics, firearms must fall within one of the following categories:

• See 18 U.S. Code 922 . Colorado Outfitters Ass’n v. Hickenlooper (10th Cir. 2016) 823 F.3d 537 .
• Robertson v. City & County of Denver, (1994) 874 P.2d 325 ; also see City and County of Denver v. State of Colorado, 03 CV 3809 (2003) . Denver Municipal Code Sec. 38-118 & Sec. 38-121. Boulder County Ordinances 2022-2 – 2022-6. Morgan Whitley, Unincorporated Boulder County bans assault weapons, ‘ghost guns,’ among other gun measures , Fox 31 (August 3, 2022) CRS 29-11.7-103.
• Colorado Supreme Court upholds the state’s ban on large capacity gun magazines passed after Aurora theater shooting , Baltimore Sun (June 29, 2020). Rocky Mountain Gun Owners v. Polis (Colo. 2020) 467 P.3d 314 .
• CRS 18-12-105 (2).
• CRS 18-12-105.6. DRMC §§ 38-117(f), 38-118. CRS 29-11.7-103. Trinen v. City & County of Denver (Colo. App. 2020) 53 P.3d 754 .
• CO House Bill 1177 (2019) . CO Senate Bill 170 (2023) .
• HB21-1106 . CRS 18-12-114 .
• HB24-1348 . CRS 18-12-114.5.
• HB21-078 . CRS 18-12-113.

Contact Our Firm

• (720) 902-5050

How to transport firearms in Colorado legally?

In Colorado, firearms must be unloaded and placed in a case during transport. It is also important to ensure that the firearm is not easily accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

1. Can I transport a firearm in my vehicle in Colorado?

Yes, you can transport a firearm in your vehicle in Colorado as long as it is done so legally and responsibly.

2. Do I need a concealed carry permit to transport a firearm in my vehicle?

No, you do not need a concealed carry permit to transport a firearm in your vehicle in Colorado as long as it is done so legally and responsibly.

3. Can I transport a loaded firearm in my vehicle in Colorado?

No, firearms must be unloaded during transport in Colorado.

4. Do I need to notify law enforcement if I have a firearm in my vehicle in Colorado?

There is no legal requirement to notify law enforcement if you have a firearm in your vehicle unless you are asked about it.

5. Can I transport a firearm in my vehicle without a case in Colorado?

No, firearms must be placed in a case during transport in Colorado.

6. Can I transport a firearm in my vehicle without a background check in Colorado?

If you legally own the firearm, you can transport it in your vehicle without a background check in Colorado.

7. Can I transport a firearm in my vehicle if I am under 21 in Colorado?

Yes, as long as you are legally allowed to possess the firearm, you can transport it in your vehicle in Colorado.

8. Can I transport a firearm in my vehicle if I have a protective order against me in Colorado?

If you have a protective order against you, there may be restrictions on your ability to possess firearms. It is important to check the specific terms of the protective order.

9. Can I transport a firearm in my vehicle if I have a felony conviction in Colorado?

If you have a felony conviction, you may be restricted from possessing firearms. It is important to understand and comply with the legal restrictions in Colorado.

10. Can I transport a firearm in my vehicle if I am not a Colorado resident?

Non-residents are subject to Colorado gun laws while in the state and may transport firearms in their vehicles as long as it is done so legally and responsibly.

11. Can I transport a firearm in my vehicle if I am traveling through Colorado?

As long as you are in compliance with federal and state laws, you can transport a firearm in your vehicle while traveling through Colorado.

12. Can I transport a firearm in my vehicle if I am a member of the military in Colorado?

Members of the military are subject to the same firearm transport laws as civilians in Colorado.

13. Can I transport an antique firearm in my vehicle in Colorado?

Antique firearms may be subject to different regulations in Colorado. It is important to research and understand the laws regarding antique firearms.

14. Can I transport a firearm in my vehicle if I am a law enforcement officer in Colorado?

Law enforcement officers are generally authorized to transport firearms in their vehicles for official duties, but it is important to be familiar with the specific regulations and requirements.

15. Can I transport a firearm in my vehicle if it is for hunting purposes in Colorado?

Firearms may be transported in a vehicle for hunting purposes as long as it is done so legally and responsibly in Colorado.

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About Gary McCloud

Gary is a U.S. ARMY OIF veteran who served in Iraq from 2007 to 2008. He followed in the honored family tradition with his father serving in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam, his brother serving in Afghanistan, and his Grandfather was in the U.S. Army during World War II. Due to his service, Gary received a VA disability rating of 80%. But he still enjoys writing which allows him a creative outlet where he can express his passion for firearms. He is currently single, but is "on the lookout!' So watch out all you eligible females; he may have his eye on you...

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Transporting Firearms and Ammunition

You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.

Contact AskTSA or  TSA Contact Center  with questions you have regarding TSA firearm regulations and for clarification on what you may or may not transport in your carry-on or checked baggage.

• When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.
• If you are traveling internationally with a firearm in checked baggage, please check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information and requirements prior to travel.
• Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline about limitations or fees that may apply.
• Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered "loaded" for purposes of assessing a civil penalty. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.
• Bringing  an unloaded firearm with accessible ammunition to the security checkpoint carries the same civil penalty/fine as bringing a loaded firearm to the checkpoint. You may find information on civil penalties at the Civil Enforcement page.
• Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
• Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only.
• Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.

United States Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44, firearm definitions includes: any weapon (including a starter gun) which will, or is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; the frame or receiver of any such weapon; any firearm muffler or firearm silencer; and any destructive device. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm.

• Ammunition is prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage.
• Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be securely boxed or included within a hard-sided case containing an unloaded firearm. Read the requirements governing the transport of ammunition in checked baggage as defined by 49 CFR 175.10 (a)(8).
• Small arms ammunition (up to .75 caliber and shotgun shells of any gauge) must be packaged in a fiber (such as cardboard), wood, plastic, or metal box specifically designed to carry ammunition and declared to your airline.
• Ammunition may be transported in the same hard-sided, locked case as a firearm if it has been packed as described above. You cannot use firearm magazines or clips for packing ammunition unless they completely enclose the ammunition. Firearm magazines and ammunition clips, whether loaded or empty, must be boxed or included within a hard-sided, locked case. 
• Please check with your airline for quantity limits for ammunition.

Read the guidelines for law enforcement officers flying armed.

The Colorado Sun

Telling stories that matter in a dynamic, evolving state.

The 8 gun bills passed by Colorado’s legislature this year and signed into law by the governor

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• Original Reporting
• Subject Specialist

The Trust Project

Gov. Jared Polis signed into law eight bills passed by the legislature this year that tighten Colorado’s gun statutes. 

Colorado Ceasefire, a nonprofit that calls for tougher gun regulations, says that’s a legislative-session record for the state. 

The laws impose new requirements on people obtaining concealed carry permits, the way firearms must be stored in vehicles and how weapons and ammunition are sold.

Here’s what the new laws do and when they go into effect:

☀️ READ MORE

Young teachers at denver school say they were sexually abused by special needs students for months without help, expensive battle over direction of policy at the colorado capitol plays out in democratic legislative primaries, alamo drafthouse workers hopeful ownership change will favor newly formed union, state investigations of gun crimes.

Senate Bill 3 authorizes the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to probe gun crimes, including illegal firearms purchases. It also sends $1.5 million to the agency for that work, money that will be spent hiring 10 employees next fiscal year, which starts July 1.

Guns banned in schools, voting sites and the state Capitol

The Colorado Capitol, courthouses, child care facilities, K-12 schools, colleges and polling locations have been added to the list of places where the open or concealed carry of a firearm is prohibited under Senate Bill 131 .

The legislation has exemptions for law enforcement offices, security personnel and on-duty members of the military. State lawmakers at the Capitol are not exempt starting on Jan. 4, 2025.

People caught carrying a gun in a place where it is prohibited face a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000 or both.

As introduced, the measure would have applied to even more places, including bars, sporting events and amusement parks.

Surrender by people subject to a temporary domestic violence restraining order

A rare example of a bipartisan bill tightening Colorado’s gun regulations, House Bill 1122 requires people who are subject to a temporary domestic violence restraining order to relinquish their guns and ammunition and prevents them from purchasing more firearms or ammunition while the order is in effect. 

The law also requires the restraining order to include notice of the relinquishment requirement and the purchase prohibition

The Daily Sun-Up podcast | More episodes

New requirements for concealed carry permits.

Starting July 1, 2025, the requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit will change. 

House Bill 1174 mandates that training classes to qualify for a concealed carry permit offer at least eight hours of instruction, including a live-fire test where participants shoot at least 50 rounds. Passing the live-fire test, as well as a written exam, will also be mandatory to get a concealed carry permit.

Merchant category codes

By May 2025, credit card companies will have to assign specific merchant codes to firearms and ammunition dealers under Senate Bill 66 .

The legislation is aimed at making it easier to track gun purchases. The attorney general will have the power to levy a $10,000 fine for each violation of the new law.

Voters will decide on new excise tax for firearm purchases

Under House Bill 1349 , Colorado voters will be asked in November to impose a 6.5% excise tax on firearms, gun parts and ammunition sold in the state beginning April 1, 2025.

The revenue — expected to be up to $39 million annually — would go to crime victims, schools and behavioral health programs. 

The federal government imposes an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition. Nonpartisan legislative staff say California is currently the only state that imposes an excise tax on guns and ammunition.

Permitting for gun sellers

Firearms dealers in Colorado will be required by July 1, 2025, to obtain a state permit that costs $400 and be subject to random and regular inspections under House Bill 1353 .

The law will also require employee background checks and training to identify people trying to illegally purchase guns. Employees will have to report anyone who tries to unlawfully purchase a gun to law enforcement within 48 hours. Finally, the measure will require  gun stores to lock up their firearms.

A dealer whose permit is revoked must wait three years before reapplying for a permit.

Safe storage in vehicles

Starting in 2025, a gun will have to be in a locked, hard-sided container out of view — such as a glove box or center console — when kept in a vehicle under House Bill 1348 .

The bill will also require the vehicle to be locked. Violators will face a fine, though there are  exceptions for people who work on farms and ranches or in the military or law enforcement.

The penalty for violating the law will be a civil infraction that carries a fine.

The measure also requires gun dealers to post a sign notifying customers of the new law. 

The gun bills that didn’t pass

Stolen weapons.

A measure that would have increased the penalties for stealing a gun valued at less than $1,000 was rejected in its first committee hearing in the House.

House Bill 1162 would have made it a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 120 days in jail, to steal a firearm valued at less than $1,000. 

The penalty for stealing a firearm in Colorado currently depends on how valuable the weapon is. Stealing a gun that’s worth less than $300 is a petty offense, punishable by up to 10 days in jail. Gun theft becomes a felony, and carries the possibility of prison, only when the weapon stolen is worth more than $2,000. 

So-called assault weapons

For the second year in a row, a bill that would have banned the purchase, sale and transfer of a broad swath of semiautomatic firearms , defined in the measure as assault weapons, failed in the Colorado legislature. 

House Bill 1292 was killed in its first Senate committee at the request of one of its Senate sponsors, who said “more conversations need to take place.”

Firearm liability insurance

Coloradans who own a firearm would have been required to have homeowners, renters or other liability insurance starting in 2025 under House Bill 1270 , which died on the calendar in the Senate. (That means the legislature adjourned before it could get enough hearings and votes to pass.)

Gun owners would have been able to petition a judge for an exemption in certain situations, including after being denied coverage by at least two insurance carriers. The bill would also have required insurers to make firearms coverage available as part of liability coverage for homeowners and renters policies, though they could offer discounts for people who own a gun safe or other secure firearm container. 

Violators would have faced fines.

Type of Story: Explainer

Provides context or background, definition and detail on a specific topic.

Jesse Paul Political Reporter & Editor

Jesse Paul is a Denver-based political reporter and editor at The Colorado Sun, covering the state legislature, Congress and local politics. He is the author of The Unaffiliated newsletter and also occasionally fills in on breaking news coverage. A... More by Jesse Paul

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The 8 gun bills signed into law this year by Colorado governor

Gov. Jared Polis signed into law eight bills passed by the Legislature this year that tighten Colorado’s gun statutes.

Colorado Ceasefire, a nonprofit that calls for tougher gun regulations, says that’s a legislative-session record for the state.

The laws impose new requirements on people obtaining concealed carry permits, the way firearms must be stored in vehicles and how weapons and ammunition are sold.

Here’s what the new laws do and when they go into effect:

Senate Bill 3 authorizes the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to probe gun crimes, including illegal firearms purchases. It also sends $1.5 million to the agency for that work, money that will be spent hiring 10 employees next fiscal year, which starts July 1.

The Colorado Capitol, courthouses, child care facilities, K-12 schools, colleges and polling locations have been added to the list of places where the open or concealed carry of a firearm is prohibited under Senate Bill 131.

The legislation has exemptions for law enforcement offices, security personnel and on-duty members of the military. State lawmakers at the Capitol are not exempt starting on Jan. 4, 2025.

People caught carrying a gun in a place where it is prohibited face a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000 or both.

As introduced, the measure would have applied to even more places, including bars, sporting events and amusement parks.

A rare example of a bipartisan bill tightening Colorado’s gun regulations, House Bill 1122 requires people who are subject to a temporary domestic violence restraining order to relinquish their guns and ammunition and prevents them from purchasing more firearms or ammunition while the order is in effect.

The law also requires the restraining order to include notice of the relinquishment requirement and the purchase prohibition.

Starting July 1, 2025, the requirements for obtaining a concealed carry permit will change.

House Bill 1174 mandates that training classes to qualify for a concealed carry permit offer at least eight hours of instruction, including a live-fire test where participants shoot at least 50 rounds. Passing the live-fire test, as well as a written exam, will also be mandatory to get a concealed carry permit.

By May 2025, credit card companies will have to assign specific merchant codes to firearms and ammunition dealers under Senate Bill 66.

The legislation is aimed at making it easier to track gun purchases. The attorney general will have the power to levy a $10,000 fine for each violation of the new law.

Under House Bill 1349, Colorado voters will be asked in November to impose a 6.5% excise tax on firearms, gun parts and ammunition sold in the state beginning April 1, 2025.

The revenue – expected to be up to $39 million annually – would go to crime victims, schools and behavioral health programs.

The federal government imposes an 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition. Nonpartisan legislative staff say California is currently the only state that imposes an excise tax on guns and ammunition.

Firearms dealers in Colorado will be required by July 1, 2025, to obtain a state permit that costs $400 and be subject to random and regular inspections under House Bill 1353.

The law will also require employee background checks and training to identify people trying to illegally purchase guns. Employees will have to report anyone who tries to unlawfully purchase a gun to law enforcement within 48 hours. Finally, the measure will require gun stores to lock up their firearms.

A dealer whose permit is revoked must wait three years before reapplying for a permit.

Starting in 2025, a gun will have to be in a locked, hard-sided container out of view – such as a glove box or center console – when kept in a vehicle under House Bill 1348.

The bill will also require the vehicle to be locked. Violators will face a fine, though there are exceptions for people who work on farms and ranches or in the military or law enforcement.

The penalty for violating the law will be a civil infraction that carries a fine.

The measure also requires gun dealers to post a sign notifying customers of the new law.

A measure that would have increased the penalties for stealing a gun valued at less than $1,000 was rejected in its first committee hearing in the House.

House Bill 1162 would have made it a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 120 days in jail, to steal a firearm valued at less than $1,000.

The penalty for stealing a firearm in Colorado currently depends on how valuable the weapon is. Stealing a gun that’s worth less than $300 is a petty offense, punishable by up to 10 days in jail. Gun theft becomes a felony, and carries the possibility of prison, only when the weapon stolen is worth more than $2,000.

For the second year in a row, a bill that would have banned the purchase, sale and transfer of a broad swath of semiautomatic firearms, defined in the measure as assault weapons, failed in the Colorado Legislature.

House Bill 1292 was killed in its first Senate committee at the request of one of its Senate sponsors, who said “more conversations need to take place.”

Coloradans who own a firearm would have been required to have homeowners, renters or other liability insurance starting in 2025 under House Bill 1270, which died on the calendar in the Senate. (That means the Legislature adjourned before it could get enough hearings and votes to pass.)

Gun owners would have been able to petition a judge for an exemption in certain situations, including after being denied coverage by at least two insurance carriers. The bill would also have required insurers to make firearms coverage available as part of liability coverage for homeowners and renters policies, though they could offer discounts for people who own a gun safe or other secure firearm container.

Violators would have faced fines.

The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported, nonpartisan news organization dedicated to covering Colorado issues. To learn more, go to coloradosun.com .

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Education | Just outside the school gate, America’s gun…

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Education | Just outside the school gate, America’s gun violence epidemic surrounds its students

On Nov. 7, as school was getting out for the day, one teenager shot another across from Morristown-Hamblen West High School in Morristown, Tennessee, an Appalachian town of 31,000 people. As a precaution, the school was placed on lockdown, as were other schools and childcare facilities in the area.

Police said the 17-year-old suspected in the shooting allegedly stole a gun out of a parked car the day before. Both suspect and victim, also 17, were students in the county school system. But “the shooting did not take place on school property,” a local news report emphasized.

The high school, and another high school across town, saw a combined half a dozen school-adjacent shootings between 2014 and 2023, according to a Trace analysis of a decade of data from the Gun Violence Archive. That means lockdowns, crime scene tape, pockmarked walls, and a pervasive sense of dread.

Morristown is not unique. In thousands of communities across America, children are traumatized in their classrooms — not from bullets fired within, but from violence happening outside school walls.

Read more at chalkbeat.org .

Chalkbeat Colorado is a nonprofit news organization covering education issues. For more, visit  chalkbeat.org/co .

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Monument Town Council passes gun law opposing state bill

MONUMENT, Colo. (KRDO) - The town of Monument is bucking state law by passing an ordinance to allow people to bring guns into a government building.

In a vote of 5 to 2, the Monument Town Council voted to allow people to bring guns into local government buildings.

The ordinance comes after Governor Jared Polis signed a bill into law earlier this year prohibiting firearms in government buildings. 

However, the state law allows local governments to say otherwise.

State law bans both concealed and open-carry firearms in 19 “sensitive spaces". Those include in part: public parks, schools and universities, hospitals, and government buildings.

Last night's decision is one that the mayor of Monument is in favor of.

"If we don't do this, we are basically saying that we are no longer a Pro 2A community as well as we are overriding our charter in a way because we're telling people they can no longer come in here and be a gun carrying member of society legally," Mayor Mitch Lakind said.

However, not all town council members agree.

"I'm unclear why we need to allow people to come into a meeting like this and have a weapon other than our police officers that are trained," Sana Abbott said.

Regardless of the disagreement, the law is set to go into effect 10 days from today, Tuesday, June 18.

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Paige Reynolds

Paige is a reporter and weekend morning anchor for KRDO NewsChannel 13. Learn more about her here.

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