Can You Carry a Firearm in Your Car in Colorado?

Carrying a firearm in a vehicle is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions among gun owners in Colorado. Many people believe a concealed handgun permit (CHP) is required anytime a firearm is in a car. Others assume that anything goes.

The truth is more precise. Colorado law treats handguns and long guns very differently, and understanding those differences is critical to staying on the right side of the law.

This article explains how vehicle carry works in Colorado, when a permit is required, and where people most often get into trouble.

Is It Legal to Carry a Firearm in a Vehicle in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado generally allows firearms to be carried in private vehicles. However, the rules depend on:

The type of firearm (handgun vs. rifle or shotgun)
Whether the firearm is loaded or chambered
Whether you have a Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP)

Carrying a Handgun in a Vehicle in Colorado

Carrying a Handgun in a Vehicle Without a CHP

In Colorado, a person may legally carry a handgun concealed on their person while inside a private motor vehicle without a concealed handgun permit.

This is authorized under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-105(2)(b), which provides an exception for a handgun carried in a private automobile.

What this means in practice:

The handgun may be on your person
The handgun may be concealed
The handgun may be loaded and chambered
No CHP is required while inside the vehicle

Colorado treats a private vehicle as an extension of the person’s dwelling for purposes of handgun possession.

Important limitation:
Once you exit the vehicle, this exception no longer applies. Without a CHP, you may not continue to carry the handgun concealed on your person outside the vehicle.

Carrying a Handgun in a Vehicle With a CHP

With a valid Colorado CHP:

You may carry a concealed handgun on your person inside the vehicle
You may exit the vehicle with the handgun concealed where otherwise lawful
The handgun may be loaded and chambered

A CHP removes ambiguity and simplifies vehicle-to-on-foot transitions.

Chambered Handguns in Vehicles (Legal in Colorado)

A persistent myth is that handguns cannot be chambered in vehicles. That is false.

Colorado law does not prohibit:

A loaded handgun in a vehicle
A chambered handgun in a vehicle

This applies whether or not you have a CHP, so long as carry is otherwise lawful.

Rifles and Shotguns in Vehicles (Clear Chamber Required)

This is where many people make costly mistakes.

Colorado law prohibits carrying a loaded rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle. The statute requires a clear (empty) chamber.

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 33-6-125 (Loaded firearms in motor vehicles):

A rifle or shotgun may not have a round in the chamber while in or on a motor vehicle
This rule applies regardless of whether you have a CHP
A chambered long gun in a vehicle can result in criminal charges

Best Practice (Strongly Recommended)

Although the statute focuses on the chamber, best practice is to:

Remove the magazine
Store the firearm with the action open when practical

Removing the magazine eliminates ambiguity, reduces risk, and helps avoid roadside misunderstandings with law enforcement.

Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry in a Vehicle

Colorado generally allows open carry, but:

Many cities and counties restrict or prohibit open carry
A holstered handgun may become concealed once seated in a vehicle

This is a common reason people unintentionally violate concealed carry laws and why many choose to obtain a CHP.

Traffic Stops in Colorado: Duty to Inform and the Fifth Amendment

No Duty to Inform

Colorado is not a duty-to-inform state. You are not required to proactively tell law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm during a traffic stop.

Invoking the Fifth Amendment

If asked about firearms, you may lawfully invoke your Fifth Amendment right.

Key points:

You are not required to answer investigatory questions
You must not lie
A clear, affirmative invocation is required

Examples:

“I choose to remain silent.”
“I’m invoking my Fifth Amendment right.”

Invoking the Fifth does not prevent officers from taking lawful safety measures, such as temporarily securing a firearm.

If You Choose to Inform During a Traffic Stop (Best Practices)

Some individuals choose to inform even though it is not required. If you do:

Safety First

Keep both hands visible on the steering wheel
Do not reach for anything unless instructed
Avoid sudden movements
Follow commands carefully

Use Clear, Neutral Language

Avoid alarming phrases such as:

“I have a gun.”
“I have a weapon.”

Instead, use:

“I am legally carrying a firearm.”
“I am concealed carrying.”

Do not touch, handle, or gesture toward the firearm unless explicitly instructed.

Prohibited Locations Still Apply

Vehicle carry does not override location-based restrictions. Firearms may still be prohibited if you drive or park in:

Certain government buildings
School grounds (with limited statutory exceptions)
Other restricted locations under Colorado law. Visit: Where You Can NOT Carry A Firearm In Colorado for more details.

Always consider where you are, not just how you are carrying.

Best Practices for Vehicle Carry in Colorado

Understand the difference between handguns and long guns
Keep rifles and shotguns unchambered in vehicles
Consider a CHP to avoid concealment issues
Secure firearms to prevent unauthorized access
Know local rules that apply once you exit the vehicle

Colorado Vehicle Carry: Q&A

Can I carry a handgun on my body in my car without a CHP?
Yes. CRS § 18-12-105(2)(b) allows concealed carry of a handgun on your person inside a private vehicle without a permit.

Can the handgun be loaded and chambered?
Yes.

Can I carry a rifle or shotgun in my vehicle?
Yes, but the chamber must be empty under CRS § 33-6-125. Best practice is magazine removed.

Do I have to tell police I’m carrying?
No. Colorado has no duty to inform.

Can I invoke the Fifth Amendment if asked?
Yes. You may clearly invoke your Fifth Amendment right and remain silent, but you must not lie.

Bottom Line

Colorado allows vehicle carry, but details matter. Handguns and long guns are governed by very different rules. A clear chamber is mandatory for rifles and shotguns in vehicles, and understanding your rights—and how to exercise them calmly—during traffic stops reduces risk.

Know the law, avoid assumptions, and carry responsibly.

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Class

If you live in Colorado and are applying for a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), state law requires completion of a qualifying training course taught by a verified instructor. Our Colorado CHP classes meet current statutory requirements and include legal instruction, firearms safety, and required certification documentation.
View upcoming Colorado CHP classes and sign up here: Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit Class

Self-Defense Insurance

Even a lawful act of self-defense can trigger criminal investigations, civil lawsuits, and significant legal costs. Many CCW holders evaluate self-defense insurance or legal protection plans to help manage those risks—coverage varies by provider and state, so understanding the differences matters.
Learn more and compare options here: Self-Defense Insurance Comparison

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Legal Disclaimer:
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Firearm laws can change, and local, state, federal, tribal, and municipal regulations may vary. Always verify current laws and consult a qualified attorney before carrying a firearm or making legal decisions related to self-defense. US Firearms Training Academy assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.