Colorado Gun Storage Laws: What the Law Actually Requires

If you own a firearm in Colorado, you need to understand the state’s safe storage laws.

Colorado does not prohibit lawful firearm ownership. However, it does impose criminal liability in specific storage situations.

The two primary statutes governing firearm storage are:

Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-114 – Unlawful storage of a firearm (home & business)
Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-114.5 – Unlawful storage of a handgun in a vehicle

This article explains what the Colorado gun storage law actually requires — and what it does not.

Part I – Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-114

Unlawful Storage of a Firearm (Home & Business)

This statute is often referred to as Colorado’s “safe storage law.”

However, it is important to understand something critical:

CRS § 18-12-114 is a results-based crime.

You are not automatically committing a crime simply because a firearm is not locked.

Criminal liability attaches only if specific triggering events occur.

When Does Criminal Liability Attach?

Under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-114, a person commits unlawful storage of a firearm if:

They know or reasonably should know that a juvenile could gain access to the firearm;
The firearm is not stored in a locked container or equipped with a locking device; and
The juvenile gains access and commits certain criminal offenses.

All three elements must be present.

If no juvenile gains access and commits a listed offense, this statute is not triggered.

Who Is a “Juvenile”?

A juvenile under this statute is a person under 18 years of age.

The law specifically targets minor access.

What Counts as “Properly Secured”?

The Colorado safe storage law recognizes two compliant methods:

1️⃣ Locked Container

Gun safe
Lockbox
Hard-sided locked case
Locked cabinet

2️⃣ Locking Device

Cable lock
Trigger lock
Other commercially manufactured firearm locking device

Simply placing a firearm in a drawer or on a shelf does not meet the statutory standard.

What Crimes Must the Juvenile Commit?

The statute applies if the juvenile uses the firearm to commit certain offenses, including:

Unlawful possession
Unlawful discharge
Menacing
Assault
Other criminal acts involving the firearm

If a juvenile merely handles the firearm but commits no qualifying offense, § 18-12-114 may not apply — though civil liability may still exist.

Does This Apply to Businesses?

Yes.

CRS § 18-12-114 applies to:

Homes
Apartments
Commercial properties
Retail businesses
Offices

If minors are present or reasonably foreseeable, storage obligations apply.

Part II – Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-114.5

Colorado Vehicle Gun Storage Law

This statute addresses a common search question:

“Is it illegal to leave a gun in your car in Colorado?”

Under Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-114.5, if you leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle, it must be:

Locked in a hard-sided container concealed from view, or
Locked inside the locked trunk of the vehicle.

Important clarification:

This statute applies specifically to handguns.

Unlike § 18-12-114, this law does not require a juvenile to gain access. The violation can occur simply by leaving a handgun unsecured in an unattended vehicle.

Colorado Gun Storage Laws and Civil Liability

Even if criminal charges are not filed, improper firearm storage can expose you to:

Negligence lawsuits
Wrongful death claims
Insurance coverage disputes
Business liability exposure

For homeowners, landlords, and business owners, civil exposure can be financially devastating.

Colorado’s gun storage law may be criminally narrow — but civil liability is much broader.

Gray Areas: Hotels, Airbnbs, Campers, RVs & Tents

Colorado statutes do not explicitly define how temporary lodging is treated.

Legal analysis typically turns on whether the space functions as a dwelling or as a vehicle.

General guidance:

Hotel / motel rooms → Likely treated as temporary dwellings
Airbnb / short-term rentals → Function as dwellings
RV used as residence → Likely dwelling
RV in travel mode → Vehicle statute may apply
Tent camping → Fact-specific

Because Colorado’s firearm storage laws do not clearly address these situations, the safest practice is to secure the firearm.

Colorado Firearm Storage Compliance Checklist

If you want a practical way to stay compliant with Colorado gun safe requirements, follow this:

If minors are present or foreseeable → Lock it.
If a firearm is unattended → Lock it.
If leaving a handgun in a vehicle → Lock it in a hard container or trunk.
In temporary lodging → Treat it like your home.
Use quality safes, not improvised hiding places.

The easiest way to remember this:

Colorado effectively operates under universal storage expectations.

If it is not on your person, it should be secured.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Colorado require all guns to be stored in a safe?

No. The home/business statute is results-based and requires juvenile access plus a qualifying offense. However, securing firearms is strongly recommended.

What is the Colorado safe storage law?

It refers primarily to Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-114, which addresses unlawful storage when juveniles gain access.

What is the Colorado vehicle gun storage law?

That is Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-114.5, which requires handguns left in unattended vehicles to be locked in a hard-sided container or trunk.

Does a Colorado CHP exempt me from storage laws?

No. A Concealed Handgun Permit does not override storage requirements.

What is the safest overall policy?

Locked container or gun safe. Every time a firearm is unattended.

Final Thoughts

Colorado gun storage laws are not symbolic. They create real criminal exposure under:

Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-114
Colorado Revised Statute § 18-12-114.5

The law does not prohibit lawful ownership.
But it does require responsible storage.

If you carry a firearm for lawful self-defense, store it like it matters — at home, in your vehicle, and in temporary lodging.

That is not just compliance.

That is risk management.

Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) Class

If you live in Colorado and are applying for or renewing 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

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.