CRS § 33-6-125 – Possession of a Loaded Firearm in a Motor Vehicle – Colorado Law

Under Colorado Revised Statute § 33-6-125, possessing a loaded shotgun or rifle in a motor vehicle is a misdemeanor, carrying a $100 fine and 15 DMV points. Meanwhile, it is legal in Colorado to have a loaded handgun in a vehicle.

The following table summarizes the laws for driving with guns in Colorado:

CRS § 33-6-125 is designed to prevent illegal hunting practices, such as poaching from vehicles. Having a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle makes it easier to take shots at wildlife from a vehicle, which is illegal in most circumstances.

Loaded handguns remain lawful to keep in cars because they are mainly for the purpose of self-defense, not hunting.

In this article, our Denver, Colorado criminal defense attorneys discuss the following topics re. loaded firearms:

• 1. Driving with Guns
• 2. Penalties
• 3. Police Searches
• 4. Handguns
• 5. CCWs
• 6. Open Carry
• 7. Snowmobile Carry
• Additional Reading

It is legal to drive with a loaded handgun in Colorado.

1. Driving with Guns

CRS 33-6-125 prohibits driving in Colorado with loaded long guns, such as shotguns and rifles. It is legal to drive with a loaded pistol or revolver. It does not matter whether you have a CCW state permit or not.

Note that law enforcement officers may drive while in possession of a loaded firearm if authorized.¹

Muzzle-Loaders

2. Penalties

It is a Colorado misdemeanor to drive with a loaded shotgun or rifle. There is no jail. Instead, the punishment includes a:

• $100 fine and
• 15 license suspension points.

This will result in the DMV suspending your driver’s license for six months to one year.³

3. Police Searches

During a traffic stop, law enforcement agency officers may inspect the chamber of any rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle to make sure it is unloaded. You must permit the police to inspect the gun.⁴

It is illegal to drive with a loaded long gun in Colorado under CRS 33-6-125.

4. Handguns

Colorado law permits you to have loaded pistols and revolvers in a vehicle. A CCW permit is not necessary for vehicle carry.⁵

Note that 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 $100.⁶

5. CCWs

In Colorado, you do not need a concealed carry permit to carry a loaded or unloaded handgun in a private automobile. Handguns are not considered “concealed weapons” if either:

• You possess the handgun in a private automobile or in some other private means of conveyance, and you carry the handgun for a legal use, including self-defense for lawful protection; or
• You possess the handgun while hunting lawfully.⁷

6. Open Carry

As long as you are not otherwise prohibited from possessing guns, you can open carry firearms in Colorado.⁸

Note that local governments and municipalities in all areas of the state may enact laws that prohibit guns in specific buildings or areas. So always check local laws before carrying a gun, especially in public buildings.

Also, note that people under 18 cannot carry a handgun (with rare exceptions).⁹

7. Snowmobile Carry

In Colorado, it is unlawful to operate a snowmobile with a long gun unless it is both:

• Unloaded and
• Enclosed in a carrying case or inserted in a scabbard.¹⁰

Additional Reading

For more information, refer to our related articles:

• Background checks by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation – What you can expect if you try to buy a gun.
• Open carry laws – Rules for when and where you can openly carry in Colorado.
• Concealed handgun permit reciprocity for non-residents – Information about when non-residents can conceal carry in Colorado.
• Colorado gun laws – Our general overview of state and federal firearm rules and regulations.

Legal References