Colorado

Get the latest information on Colorado firearm law.

Quick Reference

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

Constitutional (Permitless) Carry Allowed

Red Flag Laws

Carry in Alcohol Establishments Allowed

Open Carry Allowed

No Weapons Signs Enforced by Law

NFA Weapons Allowed

yes

Duty to Retreat

Duty to Inform Law Enforcement

"Universal" Background Checks Required

State Law Summary

Constitution of the State of Colorado - Article II, Section 13
“The right of no person to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person and property, or in aid of the civil power when thereunto legally summoned, shall be called in question."

 

Colorado's firearm law history reflects a complex interplay of rights and regulations. In 2003, the state enacted a "Make My Day" law, allowing homeowners to use deadly force against intruders in their homes, reinforcing self-defense rights. The landmark case of People v. Harlow in 2000 highlighted the interpretation of self-defense in the state, influencing subsequent legal standards. In 2013, Colorado passed stricter gun control measures, including universal background checks and magazine capacity limits, following the Sandy Hook tragedy, sparking significant public debate and leading to the recall of several state legislators. More recently, legal challenges, such as Rocky Mountain Gun Owners v. Polis, have emerged against these regulations, reflecting ongoing tensions in the interpretation and application of firearm laws in the state. Throughout this history, Colorado has seen a continuous balancing act between individual rights and public safety concerns.

Permit Eligibility, Training and Application Process

In Colorado, the history of concealed handgun permits began with the introduction of the Concealed Carry Act in 2003, which allowed individuals to apply for a permit to carry concealed firearms. Prior to this, Colorado had a "may issue" policy, meaning permits were granted at the discretion of local law enforcement. The 2003 law shifted the state to a "shall issue" standard, requiring authorities to issue permits as long as applicants met specific criteria, such as being at least 21 years old and passing a background check. In 2013, Colorado passed a law that included expanded background checks for all gun sales, but concealed carry laws remained unchanged. This evolution reflected broader national discussions around gun rights and regulations, and in recent years, the debate over concealed carry has continued to be a significant topic in Colorado politics.

Colorado Permit Eligibility

A sheriff shall issue a permit to carry a concealed handgun to an applicant who:

  • Is a legal resident of the state of Colorado
  • Is twenty-one years of age or older
  • Is not ineligible to possess a firearm pursuant to state or federal law
  • Has not been convicted of perjury in relation to information provided or deliberately omitted on a permit application
  • Does not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that the applicant's normal faculties are impaired
  • Is not an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance
  • Is not subject to a protection order or extreme risk protection order that is in effect at the time the application is submitted
  • Demonstrates competence with a handgun by submitting a training certificate from a handgun training class obtained within the ten years preceding submittal of the application. The applicant shall submit the original training certificate or a photocopy thereof that includes the original signature of the class instructor. To the extent permitted by section 18-12-202 (5), in obtaining a training certificate from a handgun training class, the applicant shall have discretion in selecting which handgun training class to complete.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-203 (1)

 

Colorado Training Requirements

  1. A concealed handgun training class is any of the following:
    • A law enforcement training firearms safety course; or
    • A firearms safety course taught by a verified instructor and offered by a law enforcement agency; an institution of higher education; or a public or private institution, organization, or firearms training school, that is open to the general public and is taught by a verified instructor.
  2. A concealed handgun training class must be held in person with the instructor of the class at the same location as the students, and no part of the class may be conducted via the internet.
    A concealed handgun training class must provide a minimum of eight hours of instruction, including the live-fire shooting exercise described in subsection (3)(g) of this section and the written concealed handgun competency exam described in subsection (3)(h) of this section. The eight hours of instruction in a course do not need to be consecutive. effective 07/01/25
  3. A concealed handgun training class must include the following elements:
    • Instruction regarding knowledge and safe handling of firearms and ammunition;
    • Instruction regarding safe storage of firearms and child safety;
    • Instruction regarding safe firearms shooting fundamentals;
    • Instruction regarding federal and state laws pertaining to the lawful purchase, ownership, transportation, use, and possession of firearms, including instruction on extreme risk protection orders described in article 14.5 of title 13, requirements for reporting lost or stolen firearms described in section 18-12-113, secure firearms storage requirements described in section 18-12-114, and any other state law enacted within five years before the class that pertains to the purchase, ownership, transportation, use, and possession of firearms;
      Instruction regarding state law pertaining to the use of deadly force for self-defense;
    • Instruction regarding best practices to ensure concealed handgun permit holders safely interact with law enforcement personnel who are responding to an emergency;
    • Instruction regarding techniques for avoiding a criminal attack and how to manage a violent confrontation, including conflict resolution and judgmental use of lethal force;
    • A requirement that a student achieve a minimum seventy percent accuracy score, as determined by the instructor, in a live-fire shooting exercise conducted on a range, which requires discharging at least fifty rounds of ammunition and which does not need to be conducted in a single day; and
    • A requirement that a student achieve a passing score of at least eighty percent on a written concealed handgun competency exam that tests a student's knowledge of the subjects described in subsections (3)(a) to (3)(f) of this section. The exam must be administered as an open book exam. effective 07/01/25
  4. Effective 07/01/25:
    • A concealed handgun refresher class requires a student to demonstrate safety and competence with a handgun. A refresher class must be taught by a verified instructor and must include instruction on changes to federal and state laws related to firearms enacted within five years before the refresher class; a live-fire shooting exercise conducted on a range, which requires discharging at least fifty rounds of ammunition; and a written concealed handgun competency exam that tests a student's knowledge of the subjects described in subsections (3)(a) to (3)(f) of this section.
    • A refresher class must be held in person with the instructor of the class at the same location as the students, and no part of the class may be conducted via the internet. A refresher class must include at least two hours of instruction, including the live-fire exercise and the written exam. In order to complete a refresher class, a student must achieve a minimum seventy percent accuracy score, as determined by the instructor, in the live-fire shooting exercise and a passing score of at least eighty percent on the written exam. The exam must be administered as an open book exam.
    • A training certificate issued for the completion of a refresher class is valid for renewal of a permit to carry a concealed handgun pursuant to section 18-12-211, but is not valid for an initial application for a permit to carry a concealed handgun pursuant to section 18-12-203 (1)(h)(VI).

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-205

 

Colorado Training Certificates
A verified instructor shall provide a training certificate that includes the printed name and original signature of the class instructor to any student who completes a concealed handgun training class or a refresher class so that the student may submit the certificate to a sheriff as part of an initial application for, or an application for renewal of, a permit to carry a concealed handgun. The training certificate must clearly indicate whether the student completed a concealed handgun training class or a refresher class.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-202.5 (5)

 

Colorado Permit Application Process

An applicant shall complete the permit application form and return it, in person, to the sheriff of the county or city and county in which the applicant resides or to the sheriff of the county or city and county in which the applicant maintains a secondary residence or owns or leases real property used by the applicant in a business.

What to Take to the Sheriff’s Office:

  1. The original “Certificate of Completion” from this course and a photocopy of the certificate
  2. Completed Colorado application​
  3. A Colorado government-issued picture ID​
  4. A check or money order made payable to the Sheriff's Office (amounts vary by county – call in advance)​
  5. The sheriff will fingerprint you and take your photograph after you submit your application

Pursuant to C.R.S. 18-12-204 (1) (b), a permit is valid for a 5-year period after the date of issuance, and can be renewed up to 120 days prior to expiration.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-205

Permitless Carry Law

The terms “constitutional carry” and “permitless carry” refer to states that have laws allowing individuals to carry a loaded firearm in public without requiring a license or permit.

 

Colorado is not a permitless-carry state.

Reciprocity Agreements

Reciprocity refers to an agreement between states to recognize, or honor, a concealed firearm permit issued by another state.

When you are in another state, you are subject to that state’s laws. Even if a state recognizes your carry permit or allows for permitless carry, the state may have additional restrictions on certain types of firearms, magazines, or ammunition. Take time to learn the law!

Recognizes a Colorado CHP or does not require a license
Recognizes Colorado Resident CHP only
Does not recognize a Colorado CHP
Permitless Carry State

State Preemption Laws

State firearm preemption laws are statutes that prevent local governments from enacting or enforcing their own gun regulations that are more restrictive than state law. These laws ensure that firearm regulations remain consistent across the state, preventing a patchwork of different rules in various cities or counties.

Prior to June 19, 2021, Colorado had strong preemption, which prohibited local jurisdictions from enacting additional areas that are off limits to firearms. Now, under current law, local jurisdictions have more authority to prohibit firearms in certain buildings and property. ​

A local government, including a special district, or the governing board of an institution of higher education…may enact an ordinance, resolution, rule, or other regulation that prohibits a permittee from carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area within the local government's or governing board's jurisdiction, or for a special district, in a building or specific area under the direct control or management of the district, including a building or facility managed pursuant to an agreement between the district and a contractor. ​

If a local government or governing board prohibits carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area, the local government or governing board shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited in the building or specific area.

Colorado Preemption Law

Prior to June 19, 2021, Colorado had strong preemption, which prohibited local jurisdictions from enacting additional areas that are off limits to firearms. Now, under current law, local jurisdictions have more authority to prohibit firearms in certain buildings and property. ​
​
A local government, including a special district, or the governing board of an institution of higher education…may enact an ordinance, resolution, rule, or other regulation that prohibits a permittee from carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area within the local government's or governing board's jurisdiction, or for a special district, in a building or specific area under the direct control or management of the district, including a building or facility managed pursuant to an agreement between the district and a contractor. ​

If a local government or governing board prohibits carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area, the local government or governing board shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited in the building or specific area.​

​Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-214

Purchase/Transfer Laws

When buying or selling a firearm, both federal and state laws must be followed. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(5), a private party may sell a firearm to a resident of the same state if two conditions are met: (1) the seller and buyer must be residents of the same state, and (2) the seller must not know or have reasonable cause to believe that the buyer is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under federal law, as outlined in 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).

Additionally, a private seller may loan or rent a firearm to a resident of any state for temporary lawful sporting use, provided they meet the same condition of not knowing or having reason to believe the borrower is prohibited under federal law.

In addition to federal law, state laws governing firearm sales must also be followed, as states may impose additional restrictions such as background checks, waiting periods, or bans on specific types of firearms.

Private-Party Firearm Transfers

In Colorado, almost all firearm transfers between unlicensed persons must be processed by a licensed firearms dealer, subjecting the prospective purchaser to a background check. The only transfers that do not need to be done through dealers are:

  • A bona fide gift or loan between immediate family members;
  • A transfer that occurs by operation of law or because of the death of a person for whom the prospective transferor is an executor or administrator of an estate or a trustee of a trust created in a will;
  • A transfer that is temporary and occurs while in the home of the unlicensed transferee if:
  • The unlicensed transferee is not prohibited from possessing firearms; and
  • The unlicensed transferee reasonably believes that possession of the firearm is necessary to prevent imminent death or serious bodily injury to the unlicensed transferee;
  • A temporary transfer of possession without power of ownership or a title to ownership, which takes place:
  • At a shooting range located in or on premises owned by a duly incorporated organization organized for conservation purposes or to foster proficiency in firearms;
  • At a target firearm shooting competition under the auspices of, or approved by, a state agency or a nonprofit organization; or
  • While hunting, fishing, target shooting, or trapping if:
  • Legal in all places where the unlicensed transferee possesses the firearm; and
  • The unlicensed transferee holds any license or permit that is required for such activity;
  • A transfer of a firearm that is made to facilitate the repair or maintenance of the firearm, except that all parties who possess the firearm as part of such transaction must be able to legally possess a firearm;
  • Any temporary transfer that occurs while in the continuous presence of the owner of the firearm;
  • A temporary transfer for not more than 72 hours. A person who makes such a temporary transfer may be jointly and severally liable for damages proximately caused by the transferee’s subsequent unlawful use of the firearm; or
  • A member of the armed services who will be deployed outside of the U.S. in the next 30 days, to any immediate family member.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-112

Firearm Classification and Accessory Restrictions

COMING SOON!

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

Magazine capacity laws are designed to limit the number of rounds a firearm's magazine can hold, typically restricting it to a certain number of cartridges (e.g., 10 rounds or fewer). Some state laws restrict the amount of rounds that may be placed in a magazine at any given time, while others prevent the mere possession of unloaded magazines capable of accepting more than a certain number of rounds.

Colorado restricts the ammunition capacity of magazines to [restriction] by state law.

Colorado Magazine Capacity Law

Effective July 1, 2013, a person who sells, transfers, or possesses a large-capacity magazine commits a class 2 misdemeanor.

Large Capacity Magazines: A large capacity magazine is defined as a device that accepts or that is designed to be readily converted to accept, more than fifteen rounds of ammunition. ​

A person may possess a large-capacity magazine if he or she: (I) Owns the large-capacity magazine on the effective date of this section; and (II) Maintains continuous possession of the large-capacity magazine. CO ST § 18-12-302.

The "continuous possession" exception is highly ambiguous and is currently the subject of more legislation. Out of state residents are advised not to transport a "large capacity magazine" through Colorado.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-302

 

"Large-Capacity Magazine"

As used in this part 3, unless the context otherwise requires:(2)(a) "Large-capacity magazine" means:

(I) A fixed or detachable magazine, box, drum, feed strip, or similar device capable of accepting, or that is designed to be readily converted to accept, more than fifteen rounds of ammunition;
(II) A fixed, tubular shotgun magazine that holds more than twenty-eight inches of shotgun shells, including any extension device that is attached to the magazine and holds additional shotgun shells; or
(III) A nontubular, detachable magazine, box, drum, feed strip, or similar device that is capable of accepting more than eight shotgun shells when combined with a fixed magazine.

(b) "Large-capacity magazine" does not mean:

(I) A feeding device that has been permanently altered so that it cannot accommodate more than fifteen rounds of ammunition;
(II) An attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition; or
(III) A tubular magazine that is contained in a lever-action firearm.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-301

Prohibited Areas - Where Firearms Are Prohibited Under State law

Carrying a firearm into a place where firearms are prohibited by state or federal law is a common way for gun owners to find themselves in legal trouble. These places are known as “prohibited areas,” and they can vary greatly from state to state.

Below you will find the list of the places where firearms are prohibited under this state’s laws. Keep in mind, in addition to these state prohibited areas, federal law adds additional places where firearms are prohibited. See the federal law section for a list of federal prohibited areas.

Places Where Firearms Are Prohibited Under Colorado Law: ​

1. Any of the following locations, including their adjacent parking areas:

a. On the property of or within any building in which:

    • The chambers, galleries, or offices of the general assembly, or either house thereof, are located;
    • a legislative hearing or meeting of the general assembly is being conducted; or
    • The official office of any member, officer, or employee of the general assembly is located;

b. Unless permitted by a local government, as described in subsection (4)(b) of this section, on the property or within any building in which:

    • The chambers or galleries of a local government's governing body are located;
    • a meeting of a local government's governing body is being conducted; or
    • The official office of any elected member of a local government's governing body or of the chief executive officer of a local government is located; or

 

c. a courthouse or any other building or portion of a building used for court proceedings.
(This section does not apply to a person who holds a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun or a temporary emergency permit who is carrying a concealed handgun in the adjacent parking area of a location listed in this subsection.)

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105.3

2. Public and private schools (A permittee may have a handgun on the real property of the public school so long as the handgun remains in his or her vehicle and, if the permittee is not in the vehicle, the handgun is in a compartment within the vehicle and the vehicle is locked)

18-12-214(3)(a)

3. A local government, including a special district, or the governing board of an institution of higher education, including the board of directors of the Auraria higher education center, may enact an ordinance, resolution, rule, or other regulation that prohibits a permittee from carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area within the local government's or governing board's jurisdiction. If a local government or governing board prohibits carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area, the local government or governing board shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited in the building or specific area.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-214​.

4. Any building where Security personnel and electronic weapons screening devices are permanently in place at each entrance to the building.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-214​

5. Any public transportation facility (only a crime when done "without legal authority" - a permit would likely be legal authority, but unfortunately we can’t guarantee that).

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-9-118

6. Buildings With Metal Detectors: No person, regardless of a permit to carry a concealed handgun, may carry a concealed handgun into a public building at which security personnel and electronic screening devices are permanently in place at each entrance, each person entering the building is screened, and persons carrying weapons are required to leave them with security while in the building.

Colo. Rev. Stat. §29-11.7-104

7. It is unlawful for any person to carry a firearm, as defined in section 18-1-901 (3)(h), within any polling location, or within one hundred feet of a drop box or any building in which a polling location is located, as publicly posted by the designated election official, on the day of any election or during the time when voting is permitted for any election. The designated election official responsible for any central count facility, polling location, or drop box involved in that election cycle shall visibly place a sign notifying persons of the one-hundred-foot no carry zone for firearms required pursuant to this section. It is unlawful for any person to carry a firearm, as defined in section 18-1-901 (3)(h), within a central count facility, or within one hundred feet of any building in which a central count facility is located, during any ongoing election administration activity related to an active election conducted by the designated election official, as publicly posted by the designated election official.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 1-13-724 (a) & (b)

8. A local government, including a special district, or the governing board of an institution of higher education, including the board of directors of the Auraria higher education center, may enact an ordinance, resolution, rule, or other regulation that prohibits a permittee from carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area within the local government's or governing board's jurisdiction, or for a special district, in a building or specific area under the direct control or management of the district, including a building or facility managed pursuant to an agreement between the district and a contractor.​

  • If a local government or governing board prohibits carrying a concealed handgun in a building or specific area, the local government or governing board shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that carrying a concealed handgun is prohibited in the building or specific area.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-214

Methods of Carry - Open Carry Laws

Open carry and concealed carry refer to two distinct methods of carrying firearms in public. Open carry involves visibly carrying a firearm, typically in a holster, where it is easily seen by others. Concealed carry, on the other hand, involves carrying a firearm in a hidden manner, such as under clothing, so that it is not visible to others. ​

Colorado Open Carry Law

Colorado is an open-carry state, meaning that most adults are allowed to openly carry a firearm with or without a permit.

However, state law allows cities & counties to prohibit open carry in certain locations:​

  • A local government may enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area within the local government's jurisdiction. Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 29-11.7-104​

For example, Denver generally prohibits the open carry of firearms:​

  • Sec. 38-118(b): Unlawful open carry of weapons. It shall be unlawful for any person to openly wear, carry, or transport any weapon on or about their person or vehicle.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 29-11.7-104​

 

Menacing with a Deadly Weapon
A person commits the crime of menacing if, by any threat or physical action, he or she knowingly places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Menacing is a class 1 misdemeanor, but it is a class 5 felony if committed by the use of a firearm, knife, or bludgeon or a simulated firearm, knife, or bludgeon.

Menacing with a deadly weapon can encompass the mere holding of a firearm. (People v. Hines, 780 P.2d 556 (Colo. 1989))

Actual subjective fear on behalf of the victim is not a necessary element. (People v. Stout, 193 Colo. 466, 568 P.2d 522 (1977))

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-3-206

 

Disorderly Conduct
A person commits disorderly conduct if he or she intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
Not being a peace officer, displays a real or simulated firearm, displays any article used or fashioned in a manner to cause a person to reasonably believe that the article is a firearm, or represents verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a firearm in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm and does alarm another person.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-9-106 (1) (f)

No Weapons Signs

No weapons" signs are notices posted by businesses or private property owners indicating that firearms or other weapons are not allowed on the premises. The legal impact of these signs varies by state. In some states, these signs have the force of law, meaning that if a person carries a weapon onto the property in violation of the sign, they can face criminal penalties such as fines or arrest. In these states, ignoring a "no weapons" sign can result in legal consequences similar to trespassing.

In other states, however, these signs are merely a business's policy, and while a person carrying a weapon might be asked to leave, there are no legal penalties for entering with a weapon unless they refuse to leave when asked, at which point trespassing laws may apply.

Colorado "No Weapons" Signs

A local government may enact an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area within the local government's jurisdiction. If a local government enacts an ordinance, regulation, or other law that prohibits the open carrying of a firearm in a building or specific area, the local government shall post signs at the public entrances to the building or specific area informing persons that the open carrying of firearms is prohibited in the building or specific area.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 29-11.7-104

Controlled Substance/Alcohol Laws

Most, but not all, states have laws in place that regulate possessing firearms while intoxicated, and individual states will define "intoxicated" differently. In addition to state law, federal law also prohibits the possession of a firearm by any person who is “an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” as defined by the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”). There are five different schedules of controlled substances regulated by the CSA, scheduled as I–V. The types of drugs that are regulated range from heroin as a Schedule I substance, to Robitussin AC as a Schedule V substance. Even a gun owner that is prescribed a scheduled drug by a physician can be in legal jeopardy if it is proven that the drug was taken in a frequency or manner other than was prescribed.

Although legal for medicinal or recreational use in many states, marijuana remains classified as a scheduled controlled substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), codified as 21 U.S.C. § 812. On May 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice published a proposed rule change that would reclassify marijuana from schedule I to a schedule III drug. It is anticipated this rescheduling will formally occur in 2024 or 2025. Unlike schedule I drugs, schedule III drugs may be lawfully prescribed by a licensed physician, and thus the possession of these prescribed drugs does not make the possession of a firearm inherently unlawful the way possession of a schedule I substance would. This means that the rescheduling of marijuana to a schedule III drug would finally allow for the lawful use, possession and purchase of firearms by prescription marijuana users. However, if it is determined that the marijuana is possessed without a prescription, is used in a manner that is not prescribed, or that the individual with the prescription is addicted to marijuana, possession of a firearm would still be a federal offense. Federal law states that a person is addicted to a controlled substance when they have “lost the power of self-control with reference to the use of controlled substance; and any person who is a current user of a controlled substance in a manner other than as prescribed by a licensed physician.”

27 C.F.R. § 478.11, 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(3)

Colorado Consumption of Alcohol

A person commits a class 1 misdemeanor if:​

The person has in his or her possession a firearm while the person is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or of a controlled substance. Possession of a permit…is no defense to a violation of this subsection

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-106

Vehicle and Transport Laws

Permit reciprocity and other differences between state regulation of firearms can create a difficult landscape for firearm owners to navigate while transporting firearms interstate. In 1968, and again in 1986, Congress set out to help hunters, travelers, and other firearm owners who were getting arrested for merely transporting firearms through restrictive states. To help simplify the complex web of state firearm laws, Congress passed the 1986 Firearm Owners Protection Act (“FOPA”) as part of Senate Bill 2414. The specific “safe harbor” provision of the law, often referred to as the “McClure-Volkmer Rule,” provides some protection for gun owners transporting firearms through restrictive states, subject to strict requirements. This federal law is covered in more detail in the federal law section of this database.

Beyond federal law, the laws of each state will impose additional restrictions, or protections, related to transporting firearms in a vehicle.

Secure Firearm Storage in a Vehicle

(1)(a) A person shall not knowingly leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the handgun is in a locked hard-sided container that is placed out of plain view, including a locked container that is permanently affixed to the vehicle's interior, and the container is in any of the following:

(I) A locked vehicle;
(II) The locked trunk of a locked vehicle; or
(III) A locked recreational vehicle, as defined in section 24-32-902.

(b) A person shall not knowingly leave a firearm that is not a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the firearm is in a locked hard-sided or locked soft-sided container, including a locked container that is permanently affixed to the vehicle's interior, and the container is in any of the following:

(I) A locked vehicle;
(II) The locked trunk of a locked vehicle; or
(III) A locked recreational vehicle, as defined in section 24-32-902.

(c) A firearm that is not a handgun that is stored in a soft-sided container must have a locking device installed on the firearm while the firearm is stored in the soft-sided container.

(d) For the purposes of this subsection (1), a locked glove compartment or the locked center console of a vehicle is a locked hard-sided container.

(2) A person who violates subsection (1) of this section commits unlawful storage of a firearm in a vehicle. Unlawful storage of a firearm in a vehicle is a civil infraction.

(3) This section does not apply to:

(a) Storing an antique firearm, as defined in 18 U.S.C. sec. 921 (a)(16), as amended;
(b) Storing a firearm that is a not a handgun in a vehicle that is being used for farm or ranch operations that is on the person's private farm or ranch, including a leased farm or ranch. As used in this subsection (3)(b), "farm" and "ranch" have the same meanings as set forth in section 39-1-102.
(c) A person who lives in a vehicle or in a recreational vehicle, as defined in section 24-32-902, in which the firearm is stored. A person who lives in a vehicle or recreational vehicle must store firearms in the vehicle or recreational vehicle in accordance with the storage requirement described in section 18-12-114.
(d) A peace officer;
(e) A person who holds a valid resident or out-of-state hunting license who is engaged in lawful hunting activities;
(f) A person engaged in the instruction of hunter education courses and outreach offered by the division of parks and wildlife; and
(g) An active member of the United States armed forces while on duty.

(4) Notwithstanding the requirement in subsection (1) of this section to store a firearm in a locked hard-sided container, a person who is considered to have a disability, as defined in 42 U.S.C. sec. 12102, who stores a firearm in a locked soft-sided container does not violate this section with respect to the storage of the firearm that is in the locked soft-sided container.

(5) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "vehicle" has the same meaning as set forth in section 42-1-102.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-114.5

 

Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

It is unlawful for any person, except a person authorized by law or by the division, to possess or have under the person's control any firearm, other than a pistol or revolver, in or on any motor vehicle unless the chamber of the firearm is unloaded. Any person in possession or in control of a rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle shall allow any peace officer who is empowered and acting under the authority granted in section 33-6-101 to enforce articles 1 to 6 of this title 33 to inspect the chamber of any rifle or shotgun in the motor vehicle.

For the purposes of this section, a "muzzle-loader" shall be considered unloaded if it is not primed, and "primed" means having a percussion cap on the nipple or flint in the striker and powder in the flash pan. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of one hundred dollars and an assessment of fifteen license suspension points.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 33-6-125

Storage Requirements

Some states have laws that require gun owners to take specific measures to secure their firearms, especially in households with children. Many of these state laws mandate that guns be stored in locked containers or safes when not in use. These laws often impose penalties for failing to secure firearms, particularly if they are accessed by unauthorized individuals, such as minors.

Colorado state law requires that firearms be responsibly and securely stored when they are not in use to prevent access by unsupervised juveniles and other unauthorized users. Unlawful storage of a firearm is a class 2 misdemeanor.
Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-114

 

Unlawfully providing a handgun to a juvenile or permitting a juvenile to possess a handgun is a class 4 felony (§18-12-108.7(1)(b) C.R.S.). Unlawfully providing a firearm other than a handgun to a juvenile is a class 1 misdemeanor.
Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-108.7(3)

 

Additionally, licensed firearm retailers are required to post a notice of this requirement and provide locking mechanisms with each firearm transfer. Violation is a class 2 misdemeanor with penalties of imprisonment or fine up to $500.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-405

 

Other Weapons Restrictions

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Police Encounter Laws

Some states impose a legal duty upon permit holders that requires them to inform a police officer of the presence of a firearm whenever they have an official encounter, such as a traffic stop. These states are called “duty to inform” states. In these states you are required by law to immediately, and affirmatively, tell a police officer if you have a firearm in your possession.

In addition to “duty to inform states,” some states have “quasi duty to inform” laws. These laws generally require that a permit holder have his/her permit in their possession and surrender it upon the request of an officer. The specific requirements of these laws will vary from state to state.

The final category of states is classified as “no duty to inform” states. In these states there are no laws that require a gun owner to affirmatively inform an officer if they have a firearm. Additionally, there are also generally no laws that require you to respond or provide a permit if asked about the presence of a firearm.

Interacting with Police

Colorado is a no-duty-to-inform state, which means you are under no legal obligation to affirmatively inform an officer of the presence of your firearm, and may not be under a legal obligation to respond if asked by the officer. As with any interaction with law enforcement, we encourage you to be respectful and courteous, while also preserving your constitutionally protected privacy rights in the manner you deem prudent. ​

  • A peace officer may temporarily disarm a permittee, incident to a lawful stop of the permittee. The peace officer shall return the handgun to the permittee prior to discharging the permittee from the scene.

Although a person does not have a duty to inform an officer of a firearm or a Concealed Handgun Permit, permit holders should follow these guidelines while interacting with police:

  • Keep your hands visible at all times.
  • Comply fully with all instructions given by the officer.
  • If you are asked if you have a firearm in your presence, it is recommended that you be
  • completely truthful and cooperative.
  • If asked, please advise the officer of the location of the firearm.
  • Do not reach for your firearm/weapons or anything else unless instructed to do so.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-12-214

Red Flag or Emergency Risk Orders

Emergency Risk Orders (or "Red Flag Laws") enable rapid legal action when someone is believed to be at significant risk of harming themselves or others with a firearm. Generally speaking, these controversial laws allow law enforcement to seek a court order to temporarily confiscate firearms from the individual and prevent them from purchasing new ones while the order is in effect. The most robust laws also permit family members and others to file petitions.

Colorado "Red Flag" Law

A petition for an extreme risk protection order may be filed by a family or household member of the individual or a law enforcement officer or agency​

A family or household member or a law enforcement officer or agency may request a temporary extreme risk protection order without notice to the respondent by including in the petition for an extreme risk protection order an affidavit, signed under oath and penalty of perjury, supporting the issuance of a temporary extreme risk protection order that sets forth the facts tending to establish the grounds of the petition or the reason for believing they exist and, if the petitioner is a family or household member, attesting that the petitioner is a family or household member.

Colo. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 13-14.5-103

Use of Force in Defense of Person

The legal use of force, including deadly force, is regulated by state law. There are no federal laws that dictate when you can use force in self-defense in all states. As such, it is essential to become familiar with individual state laws.

Colorado Self-Defense Law

Except as provided below, a person is justified in using physical force upon another person in order to defend himself or a third person from what he reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by that other person, and he may use a degree of force which he reasonably believes to be necessary for that purpose.​
​
Deadly physical force may be used only if a person reasonably believes a lesser degree of force is inadequate and:​

  1. The actor has reasonable ground to believe, and does believe, that he or another person is in imminent danger of being killed or of receiving great bodily injury; or​
  2. The other person is using or reasonably appears about to use physical force against an occupant of a dwelling or business establishment while committing or attempting to commit burglary as defined in sections 18-4-202 to 18-4-204; or​
  3. The other person is committing or reasonably appears about to commit kidnapping as defined in section 18-3-301 or 18-3-302, robbery as defined in section 18-4-301 or 18-4-302, sexual assault as set forth in section 18-3-402, or in section 18-3-403 as it existed prior to July 1, 2000, or assault as defined in sections 18-3-202 and 18-3-203.​

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1-704

Use of Force in Defense of Others

Defense of third party laws allow an individual to use force, including deadly force, to protect another person from harm. These laws generally permit intervention if the third party would have had the right to use force in their own self-defense under the same circumstances. The exact application of these laws will vary by jurisdiction, so it is important to understand the framework of each individual state.

Colorado does not have a law specific to the defense of others but does allow for the defense of a third person in its defense-of-person law.

Use of Force in Defense of Habitation

The term "castle doctrine" comes from English common law providing that one's abode is a special area in which one enjoys certain protections and immunities, from which one is not obligated to retreat before defending oneself against attack, and in which one may do so without fear of prosecution.

Many states have instituted castle doctrine laws, with varying degrees of formality. Some states have statutorily enacted castle doctrine laws, some have judicially-created protections (called “common laws”), while others have no amplified protections in the home at all.

Colorado “Castle Doctrine”

Use of deadly physical force against an intruder.​

  1. The general assembly hereby recognizes that the citizens of Colorado have a right to expect absolute safety within their own homes.​
  2. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 18-1-704, any occupant of a dwelling is justified in using any degree of physical force, including deadly physical force, against another person when that other person has made an unlawful entry into the dwelling, and when the occupant has a reasonable belief that such other person has committed a crime in the dwelling in addition to the uninvited entry, or is committing or intends to commit a crime against a person or property in addition to the uninvited entry, and when the occupant reasonably believes that such other person might use any physical force, no matter how slight, against any occupant. ​
  3. Any occupant of a dwelling using physical force, including deadly physical force, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section shall be immune from criminal prosecution for the use of such force.​
  4. Any occupant of a dwelling using physical force, including deadly physical force, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of this section shall be immune from any civil liability for injuries or death resulting from the use of such force.
    force.

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1-704.5

Use of Force in Defense of Property

Generally speaking, the use of deadly force is limited to circumstances that reasonably present an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death of a human being. As such, using deadly force in defense of mere personal property is almost categorically prohibited. Although most states will allow the use of some amount of force (i.e. physically restraining someone until the police arrive), the use or threatened use of deadly force in defense of mere property is generally not permitted.

Colorado Defense of Property

A person is justified in using reasonable and appropriate physical force upon another person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to prevent what he reasonably believes to be an attempt by the other person to commit theft, criminal mischief, or criminal tampering involving property, but he may use deadly physical force under these circumstances only in defense of himself or another as described in section 18-1-704.​

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1-706

Self-Defense Immunity

To address the risk that those acting in lawful self-defense might be sued by their attacker, some states have implemented protective measures in the form of civil immunity statutes. These statutes serve to shield victims from certain civil lawsuits. If a state has a civil immunity statute in place, you generally enjoy protection from being sued by your attacker or attacker’s family as long as your use of force is deemed to be criminally justified. This legal framework provides a layer of protection for individuals who, in the course of defending themselves, might otherwise be subjected to additional legal challenges in the form of civil lawsuits.

[Insert state law in shadowbox]

OR

[State] does not have any laws specifically related to self-defense immunity.

 

Duty to Retreat

A duty to retreat is an obligation to flee that is imposed upon a civilian who is under attack. If applicable, it applies to the victim of unlawful force prior to their ability to use deadly force to defend him or herself. The duty to retreat makes self-defense unavailable to those who use deadly force when they could have retreated from the confrontation safely. The alternative to duty-to-retreat laws is no-duty-to-retreat laws or stand-your-ground laws as they’re commonly called. Stand-your-ground states impose no duty to flee upon victims and instead state that one can stand their ground and meet force with force, under certain situations.

Unlike many states, Colorado has no statute concerning the duty of a defendant to retreat (or not) before exercising self-defense. Instead, Colorado Courts have explored the application of the duty to retreat.​Colorado follows the doctrine of no-retreat, which permits non-aggressors who are otherwise entitled to use physical force in self-defense to do so without first retreating, or seeking safety by means of escape.​

Cassels v. People, 92 P.3d 951 (Colo. 2004)

 

Self-Defense Limitations

Self-Defense Exclusions

A person is not justified in using physical force if: ​

  1. With intent to cause bodily injury or death to another person, he provokes the use of unlawful physical force by that other person; or​
  2. He is the initial aggressor; except that his use of physical force upon another person under the circumstances is justifiable if he withdraws from the encounter and effectively communicates to the other person his intent to do so, but the latter nevertheless continues or threatens the use of unlawful physical force; or​
  3. The physical force involved is the product of a combat by agreement not specifically authorized by law.​

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-1-704

Use of Force Against Animals

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Special Notes

Colorado Law Changes July 1, 2025

  • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-105.6 – Limitation on Local Ordinances Regarding Firearms in Private Vehicles
  • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-111 –   Unlawful Purchase of Firearms
  • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-113 – Failure to Report a Lost or Stolen Firearm
  • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-114.5 – Secure Firearm Storage in a Vehicle
  • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-203 – Criteria for Obtaining a Permit
  • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-211 – Renewal of Permits
  • Colo. Rev. Stat. § 18-12-214 – Authority Granted by Permit

Cases to Watch

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