Can You Carry a Firearm on School Property in Colorado?

Yes—carrying a firearm on school property in Colorado is generally illegal, even if you have a concealed handgun permit.

But like most firearm laws in Colorado, there are exceptions—and this is where people get themselves into trouble.

If you carry a firearm for self-defense, work in security, or have a concealed handgun permit, you need to understand exactly how C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5 applies..

Is It Illegal to Carry a Firearm on School Property in Colorado?

In most situations, yes.

Under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5(1)(a.5), it is illegal to knowingly carry a firearm—openly or concealed—on:

Public or private K-12 school property
Colleges and universities
Licensed childcare centers

This includes not just buildings, but the entire real estate and improvements.

Firearms vs. Other Weapons (Important Distinction)

This statute treats firearms differently than other deadly weapons.

Under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5(1)(a):

Carrying a non-firearm deadly weapon (like a knife) = Class 6 felony

Under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5(1)(a.5):

Carrying a firearm = Class 1 misdemeanor

That distinction matters—and a lot of people don’t realize it.

Does a Concealed Carry Permit Override This?

No.

This is one of the most misunderstood areas of Colorado law.

A concealed handgun permit does not give you blanket authority to carry on school property.

There is a limited exception under C.R.S. § 18-12-214(3), but:

It does not mean unrestricted carry
It does not override school policies
It can still put you in a legally questionable position depending on the situation

This is where people think they are in the clear—and end up getting jammed up.

Having a Firearm on K–12 School Property (Public or Private)

Under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5, carrying or possessing a firearm on K–12 school property is generally prohibited, with limited exceptions.

Without a Concealed Handgun Permit (No CCW)

You may have a firearm in your private vehicle for lawful protection under § 18-12-105.5(3)(c)
You may not carry it on your person on school grounds

With a Concealed Handgun Permit (CCW)

Under § 18-12-105.5(3)(d.5)(I) and § 18-12-214(3), a permit holder may carry a concealed handgun on school property.

However, in practical terms:

Your vehicle is the safest and most defensible place for the firearm
If you exit the vehicle, the firearm should be secured inside the vehicle

Key Limits

Entering buildings while carrying = high risk
School policies may still prohibit firearms
Situations are judged on the totality of the circumstances

Bottom Line

No CCW → vehicle only
CCW → vehicle only
Best practice → keep it in your vehicle and secure it before exiting

Having a Firearm on College, University, or Trade School Property

Under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5, carrying or possessing a firearm on college, university, or trade school property is generally prohibited, with limited exceptions.

Without a Concealed Handgun Permit (No CCW)

Under § 18-12-105.5(3)(a):

Firearm must be unloaded
Must remain inside your vehicle

You may not carry it on your person.

With a Concealed Handgun Permit (CCW)

Under § 18-12-105.5(3)(d.5)(II):

You may carry a concealed handgun in a parking area
This includes inside your vehicle and the immediate parking lot

This means the firearm may be:

Loaded
Concealed on your person
Carried while walking to and from your vehicle

You may also leave the firearm secured in your vehicle, such as in a lockbox.

Key Limits

Does not extend into buildings
Does not clearly extend beyond parking areas

Bottom Line

No CCW → unloaded firearm in vehicle only
CCW → loaded, concealed firearm allowed in parking areas
CCW → may secure firearm in vehicle
Carrying inside buildings → not allowed

Parking Areas (Colleges & Childcare Centers)

Under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5(3)(d.5):

A concealed handgun permit holder may carry:

In a parking area
Of a college, university, or childcare center

Private Property and Vehicles

Under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5(3)(b)–(c):

You may carry:

In your own home or business
On property you control
In a private vehicle for lawful protection

Security and Law Enforcement

Under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5(3)(e) & (i):

Carrying is allowed if you are:

Law enforcement
A school resource officer
Authorized security performing official duties

Educational or Approved Use

Under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5(3)(h):

Firearms may be present for:

Approved training programs
Gunsmithing or maintenance courses
School-sanctioned demonstrations

Childcare Centers: The Hidden Risk

This is one of the easiest ways to unintentionally break the law in Colorado.

Licensed childcare centers are specifically included in this statute, and they are often located inside:

Strip malls
Churches
Office buildings

You can walk into one without realizing it.

There is an exception under C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5(3)(j) for shared properties, but only if you are not inside the designated childcare area—and that line is not always obvious.

Common Mistakes That Get People Charged

Most violations of this law are not intentional—they come from bad assumptions.

Common mistakes include:

Thinking a concealed handgun permit overrides location restrictions
Walking into a childcare center without realizing it
Leaving a loaded firearm in a vehicle on campus
Confusing parking lot rules with building access
Assuming “it’s just a college” means normal carry rules apply

These are exactly the situations that lead to charges.

Real-World Examples

Legal

Firearm locked in your vehicle on a college campus(Depending on permit status)
Carrying in a college parking lot with a valid permit
Authorized armed security working on site

Illegal

Carrying inside a school building without authorization
Walking into a daycare while carrying
Carrying a knife or other weapon on school property

What I Tell My Students

Treat schools and childcare centers as restricted areas unless you are absolutely sure you fall under an exception.

If you need to leave your firearm behind:

Secure it properly
Keep it out of view
Follow Colorado storage laws

Law enforcement and prosecutors will look at the totality of the circumstances, including whether you should have reasonably known you were in a restricted area.

Q&A

Can You Keep a Firearm in Your Car While Picking Up Your Child?

In Colorado, a concealed handgun permit holder can generally keep a firearm in their vehicle while on school property, including during pickup or drop-off. You can NOT exit the vehicle with your firearm. This even includes the parking lot.

Can I carry on school property with a concealed handgun permit?

In limited situations, but not freely. This is one of the most misunderstood areas of Colorado law.

Can I leave my firearm in my car at a college?

Yes—if it is unloaded and remains inside the vehicle.

Does this apply to daycare centers?

Yes. Licensed childcare centers are specifically included.

Is this a felony?

Firearms → No (misdemeanor)
Other weapons → Yes (felony)

What is the biggest mistake people make?

Assuming their concealed carry permit allows them to carry anywhere.

Final Thoughts

C.R.S. § 18-12-105.5 is straightforward—but it is easy to misunderstand.

If you carry a firearm in Colorado, you need to understand:

Where you can carry
Where you cannot
And where the law becomes gray

Because being in the wrong place—even with good intentions—can still lead to criminal charges.

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.