Frequently Asked Questions
About Firearms Laws in Colorado
Updated 11/24/2008
Note: This FAQ is meant as a guide to Colorado firearms laws. It should not be misconstrued as legal advice, but rather as an amalgamation of experiences of RMGO staff, members and gun rights activists. If you really must know beyond the shadow of a doubt what is legal and is not legal, consult with an attorney (and be prepared to pay for it).
To support this program
State statutes have been provided as a courtesy, but have been shortened to include only the pertinent information. Full text of all statutes can be found here.
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General questions Are Colorado citizens required to
register their firearms? NO What is required when I bring
firearms from another state? NOTHING Is it legal for a private citizen
to sell a firearm to another private citizen? YES, as long
as the seller has no knowledge that the purchaser is ineligible to purchase
that firearm. Click here to
sell firearms privately. Is it legal for a private citizen
to sell ammunition to another private citizen? YES. Can I carry concealed in my
vehicle without a permit (even in Denver)? YES See C.R.S. 18-12-204 (3) (a) A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may
carry a handgun under the following circumstances without obtaining a permit
and the handgun shall not be considered concealed: and the
2004 Meyers Decision, which
states:
(I) The handgun is in the possession of a person who is in a private
automobile or in some other private means of conveyance and who carries the
handgun for a legal use, including self-defense; or
(II) The handgun is in the possession of a person who is legally engaged in
hunting activities within the state.
(b) The provisions of this subsection (3) shall not be construed to
authorize the carrying of a handgun in violation of the provisions of
section 18-12-105 or 18-12-105.5.
|
"Given the State's detailed regulatory scheme for concealed carry of handguns, I find and conclude that the portion of DRMC 38-117(f)(2) which reads "while traveling into or through the city to or from another jurisdiction, regardless of the number of times the person stops in the city or the other jurisdiction" is in conflict with state law and is preempted by state law. Further, I find that DRMC §38-11 8(a)(1) is in conflict with state law where it includes the phrase "when there is a direct and immediate threat thereto." In all other respects, the City's ordinances, as amended, do not conflict with state law in this area and may coexist with state law." |
Can I carry openly in my car? YES (Colorado law does not prohibit open carry, however some municipalities do)
Can I have a loaded pistol in my vehicle or rv ? YES
33-6-125. Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle.
It is unlawful to possess any firearm, other than a pistol or revolver, in or on any motor vehicle unless the chamber of such firearm is unloaded. For the purposes of this section, a "muzzle-loader" shall be considered unloaded if it is not primed, and, for such purpose, "primed" means having a percussion cap on the nipple or flint in the striker and powder in the flash pan.
Can I carry concealed in a vehicle or RV without a permit? YES
18-12-105. Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon - unlawful possession of weapons.
(2) It shall not be an offense if the defendant was:
(b) A person in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance who carries a weapon for lawful protection of such person's or another's person or property while traveling
ALSO:
18-12-204. Permit contents - validity - carrying requirements.
(3) (a) A person who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry a handgun under the following circumstances without obtaining a permit and the handgun shall not be considered concealed:
(I) The handgun is in the possession of a person who is in a private automobile or in some other private means of conveyance and who carries the handgun for a legal use, including self-defense
Can I have a loaded rifle or shotgun in my vehicle or rv? YES (as long as there is not a round “chambered”)
33-6-125. Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle.
It is unlawful to possess any firearm, other than a pistol or revolver, in or on any motor vehicle unless the chamber of such firearm is unloaded. For the purposes of this section, a "muzzle-loader" shall be considered unloaded if it is not primed, and, for such purpose, "primed" means having a percussion cap on the nipple or flint in the striker and powder in the flash pan.
Can I carry while on a motorcycle? CONDITIONAL YES
18-12-105. Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon - unlawful possession of weapons.
(2) It shall not be an offense if the defendant was:
(b) A person in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance who carries a weapon for lawful protection of such person's or another's person or property while traveling
(Just remember that if you stop at a prohibited carry location i.e. school or court, you will have to leave the weapon in your vehicle. With motorcycles, this is not an option.)
Can I carry in my vehicle in Denver? YES
18-12-105.6. Limitation on local ordinances regarding firearms in private vehicles.
(2) (b) …no municipality, county, or city and county shall have the authority to enact or enforce any ordinance that would restrict a person's ability to travel with a weapon in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance while traveling into, through, or within, a municipal, county, or city and county jurisdiction, regardless of the number of times the person stops in a jurisdiction.
Carrying without a Permit & Open Carry
Can I carry concealed on my person without a permit in Colorado? NO (it’s a Class 2 misdemeanor if caught, and you will most likely forfeit the weapon; however, if done on school property it’s a felony)
18-12-105. Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon - unlawful possession of weapons.
(1) A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor if such person knowingly and unlawfully:
(a) Carries a knife concealed on or about his or her person; or
(b) Carries a firearm concealed on or about his or her person;
18-12-105.5. Unlawfully carrying a weapon - unlawful possession of weapons - school, college, or university grounds.
(1) A person commits a class 6 felony if such person carries a deadly weapon in or on the real estate and all improvements erected thereon of any public or private elementary, middle, junior high, high, or vocational school or any public or private college, university, or seminary
Can I carry openly? CONDITIONAL YES (Yes, but not in cities -- or specific areas within some cities -- which prohibit it. You must check with local authorities)
29-11.7-104. Regulation - carrying - posting.
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.
Where can I NOT carry with a valid Colorado concealed carry permit?
18-12-214. Authority granted by permit - carrying restrictions.
(1) (a) A permit to carry a concealed handgun authorizes the permittee to carry a concealed handgun in all areas of the state, except
(2) A permit issued does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun into a place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law.
(3) A permit issued pursuant to this part 2 does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun onto the real property, or into any improvements erected thereon, of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school
(4) A permit issued does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun into a public building at which:
(a) Security personnel and electronic weapons screening devices are permanently in place at each entrance to the building;
(b) Security personnel electronically screen each person who enters the building to determine whether the person is carrying a weapon of any kind; and
(c) Security personnel require each person who is carrying a weapon of any kind to leave the weapon in possession of security personnel while the person is in the building.
(5) Nothing in this shall be construed to limit existing rights of a private property owner, private tenant, private employer, or private business entity.
If I have a concealed carry permit, can I carry on K-12 school grounds? NO
18-12-214. Authority granted by permit - carrying restrictions.
(3) A permit does not authorize a person to carry a concealed handgun onto the real property, or into any improvements erected thereon, of a public elementary, middle, junior high, or high school.
Note: Previous to the 2003 Concealed Carry law, you could legally carry concealed with a permit on school grounds. If you don't like that concession (we don't), talk to former Governor Owens and the NRA.
If I am carrying a concealed handgun and have to go on school grounds, what do I do?
18-12-214. Authority granted by permit - carrying restrictions.
(3) (a) 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;
If I have a concealed carry permit, can I carry on college school grounds? YES (with conditions, and as long as it is a public school)
18-12-105.5. Unlawfully carrying a weapon - unlawful possession of weapons - school, college, or university grounds.
(3) It shall not be an offense under this section if:
(d) The person, at the time of carrying a concealed weapon, held a valid written permit to carry a concealed weapon
However, then Attorney General Ken Salazar wrote an opinion that, since the Regents to the University of Colorado are a constitutional office and have powers to govern that university, they may ban concealed carry on their campuses. As of the writing of this document, all of CU's campuses have a ban on concealed carry.
NOTE: The CSU Chief of Police has stated that valid permits to carry concealed shall be honored on CSU grounds.
If I have a permit to carry concealed, can I carry in the City of Denver? YES (see Denver Police Department letter) (also see the Meyers decision)
18-12-214. Authority granted by permit - carrying restrictions.
(1) (a) A permit to carry a concealed handgun authorizes the permittee to carry a concealed handgun in all areas of the state. A local government does not have authority to adopt or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would conflict with any provision of this.
Which other states Permits are good in Colorado? MANY
For a full and updated list check: http://cbi.state.co.us/ccw/reciprocity.asp
As a resident of Colorado, can
I use my Florida/Utah concealed carry permit to carry in Colorado?
NO (changed as of 6/2007, due to SB07-34)
As simply as we can put it: a
non-resident Florida/Utah permit (a permit issued by Utah or Florida to an
applicant who is not a resident of that state) is no longer valid in Colorado.
A Florida/Utah permit to carry in any other state that allows non-resident
permits might be valid, but not in Colorado.
Florida and Utah are states that issues "non-resident" permits (Colorado law does not authorize a sheriff to issue a non-resident permit). This new law, which we stridently opposed, says that for a non-Colorado permit to be valid in Colorado, that permit must be from a state which has a reciprocity agreement with Colorado, and (here's where the new law adds a criteria) that permit holder must be a resident of the state that issued the permit.
That also means that for a Utah or Florida carry permit to be valid, the person carrying that permit must be from the state that issued the permit.
As a resident of New York (or any state that does not issue CCW permits), can I use my Florida/Utah concealed carry permit to carry in Colorado? NO (changed as of 6/2007, due to SB07-34)
Florida and Utah are states that issues "non-resident" permits (Colorado law does not authorize a sheriff to issue a non-resident permit). This new law, which we stridently opposed, says that for a non-Colorado permit to be valid in Colorado, that permit must be from a state which has a reciprocity agreement with Colorado, and (here's where the new law adds a criteria) that permit holder must be a resident of the state that issued the permit.
That also means that for a Utah or Florida carry permit to be valid, the person carrying that permit must be from the state that issued the permit.
Acquiring a Concealed Carry Permit
Who issues permits? Your County Sheriff (in Denver it is the Manager of Safety)
Can a sheriff issue a permit to me, even if I don’t live in the area they cover? NO. You must be a resident of their county for them to issue a permit. Most require you to show a drivers license to prove your place of residence.
How do I apply for a permit? Some departments have their applications available online here. Pick up an application from your local sheriff. (In Denver, you can get one from any police dept.)
How much is it to apply for a permit? Approximately $150 plus the cost of training (price may vary slightly depending on county)
What kind of training is required?
w Documented participation in an organized shooting event
w Current military service
w Proof of honorable discharge from military within 10 years of application
w Evidence of being a certified instructor
w Retirement from a Colorado law enforcement agency within the last 10 years
w Proof of Handgun class within the last 10 years
If I'm denied the permit but would like to appeal it, how do I do that? According to state law, you can file an appeal with the Sheriff's office. You can also file for a Judicial Review using rule 106 (a) (4) AND (b) of the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.
Statistics on Colorado Concealed Carry Permits
How many concealed carry permits have been issues in Colorado? CBI report for 2006
What are the reasons for denial? Colorado law and Federal law dictate who cannot buy a firearm through a dealer or a private sale at a gunshow. The Brady Registration Check system is in place on the Federal level and Colorado also has a state level Brady, administered by CBI. This means you have two levels of checks and registration.
To learn more about Colorado's Brady Registration system, click here.
18 U.S.C. sec. 922 (g):
(d) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or
otherwise
dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or
having reasonable cause to believe that such person -
(1) is under indictment for, or has been convicted in any
court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
(2) is a fugitive from justice;
(3) is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802));
(4) has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution;
(5) who, being an alien, is illegally or unlawfully in the United States;
(6) who (FOOTNOTE 1) has been discharged from the Armed
Forces under dishonorable conditions;
(7) who, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced his citizenship;
(8) is subject to a court order that restrains such person
from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging
in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child, except that this paragraph shall only apply to a court order that -
(A) was issued after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and at which such person had the opportunity to participate; and
(B)(i) includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the physical safety of such intimate partner or child; or
(ii) by its terms explicitly prohibits the use,
attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against such
intimate partner or child that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury; or
(9) has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
CBI denied my purchase of a firearm based on the fact that I was arrested, but I was never convicted of that crime (acquitted, deferred judgment, deferred sentence, etc).
Can I be denied for a crime I was not convicted of? YES -- CBI denies based on arrest/citation. Click here to see how that law passed. It will be up to you to contact CBI to set the matter straight. (CBI’s Insta-Check website is http://cbi.state.co.us/ic/index.htm & phone number is (303) 486-2823 )
Colorado Revised Statutes 24-33.5-424
(3) (a) The bureau, acting as the state point of contact for implementation of 18 U.S.C. sec. 922 (t), shall transmit a request for a background check in connection with the prospective transfer of a firearm to the NICS system and may also search other databases. The bureau shall deny a transfer of a firearm to a prospective transferee if the transfer would violate 18 U.S.C. sec. 922 (g) or (n) or result in the violation of any provision of state law, including but not limited to section 18-12-108 (4) (c), C.R.S., involving acts which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a burglary, arson, or any felony involving the use of force or the use of a deadly weapon.
(b) (I) In addition to the grounds for denial specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection (3), the bureau shall deny a transfer of a firearm if, at any time the bureau transmits the request or searches other databases, information indicates that the prospective transferee:
(A) Has been arrested for or charged with a crime for which the prospective transferee, if convicted, would be prohibited under state or federal law from purchasing, receiving, or possessing a firearm and either there has been no final disposition of the case or the final disposition is not noted in the other databases; or
(B) Is the subject of an indictment, an information, or a felony complaint alleging that the prospective transferee has committed a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year as defined in 18 U.S.C. sec. 921 (a) (20), as amended, and either there has been no final disposition of the case or the final disposition is not noted in the other databases.
I was wrongly denied a firearms purchase by CBI. What should I do now? Contact CBI through information provided in paperwork you received from your firearms dealer. In that paperwork, you can request CBI to give you the reason for denial. Once you get that reason(s) for denial, you must then prove they are in error. Once proven, and CBI issues the approval code, you can then show that paperwork to your firearms dealer. Also note that once that is cleared up, CBI usually corrects their records.
"Assault Weapons"
Can I legally possess a semi-automatic, so-called "Assault Weapon" in Colorado? CONDITIONAL YES. Some municipalities ban them or require their registration. Though SB03-25 was designed to remove these municipal restrictions, a November 2004 ruling by Judge Meyers kept the Denver ban in place (though modified).
Note: In January 2007, the Denver City Council passed 38-07, which modifies Denver's assault weapons ban. See below.
What is an "Assault Weapon"? Colorado law does not define an "assault rifle" or "assault weapon". Click Here for a short video that may help you understand the difference between a full-auto rifle and semi-auto rifle (Note: the narrator of the video misstates that fully automatic firearms are illegal -- please see our NFA weapons FAQ section.
Does the City of Denver have an Assault Weapons Ban (AWB)? YES. Section 38-130 of Denver’s Revised Municipal Code was amended in 2007 and is titled “Assault Weapons” Denver's Assault Weapon ordinance (as well as other firearms ordinances) can be viewed here. That ban, however, only applies to firearms with magazines that hold more than 20 rounds.
NOTE: This means it is legal to own an AR-15, FNFAL, HK91, MAK90, etc, as long as you do not insert a 21+ round magazine.
Does Denver’s AWB ban specific firearms? NO. Denver had a list of specific weapons that were banned but the 2007 amendments eliminated that list. For example, Denver’s old law banned the Colt AR15 by name. That weapon and all others on the previous list are now allowed in Denver with certain exceptions – namely those weapons with a high capacity magazine of 21 or more rounds. So, an AR15 with a 20 round magazine is not considered an "Assault Weapon" by Denver's ordinance. That same rifle with a magazine with a capacity of 21 or more rounds is considered an "Assault Weapon.".
Does that mean that I can own a so called Assault Weapon in Denver? CONDITIONAL YES. There are limitations on what you can own. Generally, Denver’s new law bans the possession of both high capacity magazines of 21 rounds or more and all rifles with a magazine of 21 or more rounds, which makes it an "Assault Weapon" in Denver's eyes.
Does Denver ban shotguns as well? YES. Any semi-automatic shotgun with a magazine capacity of 6 or more rounds or a folding stock or both is also considered an AW. Here is the law from Denver:
(1) Assault weapon shall include all firearms with any of the following characteristics:
a. All semiautomatic action, centerfire rifles with a detachable magazine with a capacity of twenty-one (21) or more rounds.
b. All semiautomatic shotguns with a folding stock or a magazine capacity of more than six (6) rounds or both.
c. Reserved.
d. Any firearm which has been modified to be operable as an assault weapon as defined herein.
e. Any part or combination of parts designed or intended to convert a firearm into an assault weapon, including a detachable magazine with a capacity of twenty-one (21) or more rounds, or any combination of parts from which an assault weapon may be readily assembled if those parts are in the possession or under the control of the same person.
Are there any exceptions to this law? YES. Here is the law from Denver:
(c) Specific weapons not included. As used in this section, assault weapon does not include any of the following:
(1) All weapons that do not use fixed cartridges, all weapons that were in production prior to 1898, all manually operated bolt-action weapons, all lever-action weapons, all slide-action weapons, all single-shot weapons, all multiple-barrel weapons, all revolving-cylinder weapons, all semiautomatic weapons for which there is no fixed magazine with capacity of twenty-one (21) or more rounds available, all semiautomatic weapons that use exclusively en bloc clips, all semiautomatic weapons in production prior to 1954 and all rimfire weapons that employ a tubular magazine.
(2) Any firearm that uses .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.
(3) Any assault weapon which has been modified either to render it permanently inoperable or to permanently make it a device no longer defined as an assault weapon.
What is the penalty for violating this law? Here is the law from Denver:
(j) Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation who is convicted of violating any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) or more than nine hundred ninety-nine dollars ($999.00) and a term of incarceration of not less than ten (10) days nor more than one hundred eighty (180) days.
What if I am not a resident of Denver? Can I be arrested if I am in Denver with my AW and hi-cap magazine? YES. Denver provides for an affirmative defense if you are not a resident of Denver and are traveling through Denver with your AW and hi-cap magazine. You can be and likely will be arrested and jailed and your vehicle will be towed and stored. You have to hire a lawyer to get the charges dismissed. In some cases in the past, Denver’s City Attorney allowed those arrested with an AW to give the guns to the city in exchange for dropping charges. This can be less costly than paying an attorney to get the charges dismissed and to get your guns back.
Here is the law from Denver:
(3) It shall be an affirmative defense to charges brought under this section that the transportation of an assault weapon:
(a) Is through the city by a nonresident who is in legal possession of an assault weapon; or
(b) Is by a person carrying a permit issued under subsection (f) and the transportation is for one (1) of the following purposes:
i. In aid of the civil power when thereto legally summoned;
ii. To a bona fide hunting trip for wild game, or to a legitimate sporting use of such weapon, including shooting matches or target trap or skeet shooting. All weapons carried for such purposes shall be unloaded;
iii. While transporting such weapon to or from a place for sale outside the city or for repair. All weapons carried for such purposes shall be unloaded at all times;
iv. As a member of the armed forces of a
state or of the federal government while engaged in the lawful performance
of duty;
v. In
conjunction with moving personal property, including such weapon, from an
old residence to a new residence. All weapons carried for such
purposes shall be unloaded at all times.
How can I get a permit for an AW if I live in Denver? Unless you applied for and have kept your permit from the original law was passed in Denver in 1994, you will not be able to get a permit now.
Possession & Purchase of Firearms
What are the Federal & State Age restrictions for firearms purchase and/or possession? Click here for a document (Adobe Acrobat required) prepared by Colorado's Legislative Legal Services. You can see the citations for these laws here.
Can I buy firearms through the mail? NO. You may, however, contact a Federal Firearms Licensee and pay them a nominal fee ($15-$25). Click here for a list of FFL's in your area.
Alcohol & Firearms Prohibitions
Is it legal to be intoxicated while possessing a firearm? No. "Under the influence" is the key.
18-12-106. Prohibited use of
weapons.
(1) A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor if:
(d) 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, as
defined in section 12-22-303 (7), C.R.S. Possession of a permit issued under
section 18-12-105.1, as it existed prior to its repeal, or possession of a
permit or a temporary emergency permit issued pursuant to part 2 of this
article is no defense to a violation of this subsection (1).
Is is legal to drink alcohol while possessing a firearm? ? Consult your attorney, as we've never seen this challenged. Below is the definition of intoxication.
18-1-804. Intoxication.
(4) "Intoxication", as used in this section means a disturbance of mental or
physical capacities resulting from the introduction of any substance into
the body.
Can I Open Carry in Colorado? YES. But this is not a simple yes; unfortunately, it is quite complicated.
What exactly is Open Carry?
18-12-105. Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon - unlawful possession of weapons.
(1) A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor if such person knowingly and unlawfully:
(b) Carries a firearm concealed on or about his or her person; or
Does it matter if it is loaded or not? SOMETIMES.
In general, it does not change things legally if it is loaded or not. For example, in your car, the law does prohibit long guns with a round chambered, but not handguns. These are based on hunting laws. But the law concerning weapons “in facilities of public transportation” does specify “any loaded firearm.” Technically, an unloaded firearm would be legal, but a violation of this law is a felony, so arguing loaded v. unloaded is some very thin ice to skate on.
33-6-125. Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle.
It is unlawful to possess any firearm, other than a pistol or revolver, in or on any motor vehicle unless the chamber of such firearm is unloaded. For the purposes of this section, a "muzzle-loader" shall be considered unloaded if it is not primed, and, for such purpose, "primed" means having a percussion cap on the nipple or flint in the striker and powder in the flash pan.
18-9-118. Firearms, explosives, or incendiary devices in facilities of public transportation.
A person commits a class 6 felony if, without legal authority, he has any loaded firearm or explosive or incendiary device, as defined in section 9-7-103, C.R.S., in his possession in, or carries, brings, or causes to be carried or brought any of such items into, any facility of public transportation, as defined in section 18-9-115 (4).
Who can Open Carry? Anybody who can legally possess a handgun.
Generally, if you can own it, you can open carry it. For a handgun, anyone who is over 18 and not a prohibited possessor. Please see this section for more information. Who is prohibited from firearm possession and under what law is a whole discussion by itself. Please check out that part of our FAQ here.
Where can I Open Carry? Everywhere except where specifically prohibited.
Basically, if it is not prohibited, it is allowed. Be very sure of where you can and cannot, as open carry can attract a great deal of attention. You do not want to unintentionally have that attention drawn to you when you are mistakenly in a prohibited area.
Where can I not Open Carry? Several places. These fit into four main categories: Prohibited by Law Areas, Prohibiting Municipalities, Prohibiting Private Businesses and Prohibiting Private Residences.
-Prohibited by Law Areas:
-Facility of public transportation. (If loaded)
18-9-118. Firearms, explosives, or incendiary devices in facilities of public transportation.
A person commits a class 6 felony if, without legal authority, he has any loaded firearm or explosive or incendiary device, as defined in section 9-7-103, C.R.S., in his possession in, or carries, brings, or causes to be carried or brought any of such items into, any facility of public transportation, as defined in section 18-9-115 (4).
18-9-115. Endangering public transportation.
(4) "Facility of public transportation" includes a public conveyance and any area, structure, or device which is designed, adapted, and used to support, guide, control, permit, or facilitate the movement, starting, stopping, takeoff, landing, or servicing of a public conveyance or the loading or unloading of passengers or goods.
-Chambers, galleries, or offices of the general assembly, or a building in which a legislative hearing or meeting is being or is to be conducted
18-12-105. Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon - unlawful possession of weapons.
(c) Without legal authority, carries, brings, or has in such person's possession a firearm or any explosive, incendiary, or other dangerous device 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, or in which a legislative hearing or meeting is being or is to be conducted, or in which the official office of any member, officer, or employee of the general assembly is located.
(2) It shall not be an offense if the defendant was:
(c) A person who, at the time of carrying a concealed weapon, held a valid written permit to carry a concealed weapon issued pursuant to section 18-12-105.1, as it existed prior to its repeal, or, if the weapon involved was a handgun, held a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun or a temporary emergency permit issued pursuant to part 2 of this article; except that it shall be an offense under this section if the person was carrying a concealed handgun in violation of the provisions of section 18-12-214; or
It seems that, in this instance, open carry would be legal with a concealed weapons permit.
-School, college, or university grounds.
18-12-105.5. Unlawfully carrying a weapon - unlawful possession of weapons - school, college, or university grounds.
(1) A person commits a class 6 felony if such person knowingly and unlawfully and without legal authority carries, brings, or has in such person's possession a deadly weapon as defined in section 18-1-901 (3) (e) in or on the real estate and all improvements erected thereon of any public or private elementary, middle, junior high, high, or vocational school or any public or private college, university, or seminary, except for the purpose of presenting an authorized public demonstration or exhibition pursuant to instruction in conjunction with an organized school or class, for the purpose of carrying out the necessary duties and functions of an employee of an educational institution that require the use of a deadly weapon, or for the purpose of participation in an authorized extracurricular activity or on an athletic team.
(3) It shall not be an offense under this section if:
(a) The weapon is unloaded and remains inside a motor vehicle while upon the real estate of any public or private college, university, or seminary; or
(b) The person is in that person's own dwelling or place of business or on property owned or under that person's control at the time of the act of carrying; or
(c) The person is in a private automobile or other private means of conveyance and is carrying a weapon for lawful protection of that person's or another's person or property while traveling; or
(d) The person, at the time of carrying a concealed weapon, held a valid written permit to carry a concealed weapon issued pursuant to section 18-12-105.1, as said section existed prior to its repeal; except that it shall be an offense under this section if the person was carrying a concealed handgun in violation of the provisions of section 18-12-214 (3); or
(d.5) The weapon involved was a handgun and the person held a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun or a temporary emergency permit issued pursuant to part 2 of this article; except that it shall be an offense under this section if the person was carrying a concealed handgun in violation of the provisions of section 18-12-214 (3); or
(e) The person is a peace officer, as described in section 16-2.5-101, C.R.S., when carrying a weapon in conformance with the policy of the employing agency as provided in section 16-2.5-101 (2), C.R.S.; or
(h) The person has possession of the weapon for use in an educational program approved by a school which program includes, but shall not be limited to, any course designed for the repair or maintenance of weapons.
-Premises of a Racetrack (Not a crime, but grounds for future denial of racing license.)
12-60-507. Investigation - denial, suspension, and revocation actions against licensees - unlawful acts.
(1) The commission upon its own motion may, and upon complaint in writing of any person shall, investigate the activities of any licensee or applicant within the state or any person upon the premises of any facility licensed pursuant to this article. In addition to its authority under any other provision of this article, the commission may issue a letter of admonition to a licensee, fine a licensee, suspend a license, deny an application for a license, or revoke a license, if such person has committed any of the following violations:
(m) Possession on the premises of a racetrack of:
(I) Firearms; or
-On a Snowmobile
33-14-117. Hunting, carrying weapons on snowmobiles - prohibitions.
(1) It is unlawful for any person to:
(b) Operate or ride on any snowmobile with any firearm in his possession, unless such firearm is unloaded and enclosed in a carrying case or inserted in a scabbard, or with any bow unless it is unstrung or cased, but this paragraph (b) shall not apply to any person to whom the division of wildlife has issued a permit for the control of predators such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and the like;
(3) Any person who violates subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a class 2 petty offense and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine as follows:
(b) For a violation of paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of this section, fifty dollars; and
Prohibiting Municipalities. (Denver and Breckenridge. Please message us if you know of other municipalities who ban open carry).
29-11.7-104. Regulation - carrying - posting.
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.
At this website is found a table of all the municipal government names, most of which have websites.
Denver's prohibition on open carry, which is not explicitly stated
Parker's prohibition is on page 239
Breckenridge's arcane open carry policy is on pages 4 and 5
-Prohibiting Private Businesses
Businesses are private property, and except for some very broad categories established by the courts, a business can disallow almost anything from being on their property. This, unfortunately, is sometimes legal firearms, both openly carried and concealed carry (with permit). Please consult our Merchant Awareness Program for more information (and our position and strategy) on this issue.
18-4-504. Third degree criminal trespass.
(1) A person commits the crime of third degree criminal trespass if such person unlawfully enters or remains in or upon premises of another.
(2) Third degree criminal trespass is a class 1 petty offense…
-Prohibiting Private Residences
Basically the same as a business, but more privacy applies here. If someone doesn’t want something or somebody in there home, that’s their right
18-4-504. Third degree criminal trespass.
(1) A person commits the crime of third degree criminal trespass if such person unlawfully enters or remains in or upon premises of another.
(2) Third degree criminal trespass is a class 1 petty offense…
What other laws might apply to me as a Legally Armed Citizen who Openly Carries?
Of open carry concern (Laws with the potential for LEO mischarge/abuse): “Brandishing” “threatening” and “disorderly public conduct” laws
“trespassing”
18-9-106. Disorderly conduct.
(1) A person commits disorderly conduct if he or she intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
(f) Not being a peace officer, displays a deadly weapon, displays any article used or fashioned in a manner to cause a person to reasonably believe that the article is a deadly weapon, or represents verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm.
(3) An offense under…(1) (f) of this section is a class 2 misdemeanor.
18-3-206. Menacing.
(1) 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 3 misdemeanor, but, it is a class 5 felony if committed:
(a) By the use of a deadly weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to cause a person to reasonably believe that the article is a deadly weapon; or
(b) By the person representing verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon.
18-4-504. Third degree criminal trespass.
(1) A person commits the crime of third degree criminal trespass if such person unlawfully enters or remains in or upon premises of another.
(2) Third degree criminal trespass is a class 1 petty offense…
NFA Weapons (Machineguns, Suppressors, etc)
Can I legally possess a machine gun in Colorado? CONDITIONAL YES. Colorado law has no additional prohibitions for NFA weapons (that are not in place by Federal law). Many municipalities/counties have a standing policy that their law enforcement officials will not sign Form 4's, but that's rare.
For an FAQ about the Federal laws, click here for Bardwell's excellent primer.
Municipal Codes for: Alamosa, Arvada, Aurora, Denver, Englewood, La Plata County, Lafayette, Larimer County, Louisville, Sheridan, Steamboat Springs, Sterling, Thornton, Wheat Ridge, Woodland Park
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