Transport Rules With a Pistol Permit
If you hold a valid Connecticut State Pistol Permit, you may carry a loaded handgun in your vehicle. Your permit must be on your person at all times while carrying. Upon request, you must present it to a law enforcement officer who has reasonable suspicion of a crime and observes you carrying a pistol or revolver, for verification of the permit or your identity.[1]
Since October 1, 2023, Connecticut law generally prohibits knowingly carrying a firearm with intent to display it. A person who takes reasonable measures to conceal the firearm does not violate that prohibition. Neither a fleeting glimpse nor an imprint through clothing violates it.[2]
Transport Rules Without a Pistol Permit
If you do not hold a valid pistol permit, knowingly possessing a handgun in a vehicle is generally a Class D felony under CGS 29-38, punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.[3] However, there are important exceptions for lawful transport.
The permit-free transport exceptions in CGS 29-35 require the following firearm conditions. The ammunition condition below applies to interstate transport under CGS 29-38d.
- The firearm must be unloaded.
- The firearm must not be readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. If the vehicle has no separate compartment, the firearm must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.
- During interstate transport through Connecticut under CGS 29-38d, ammunition must not be readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment.
Lawful Purposes for Transport Without a Permit
CGS 29-35 provides exceptions to its prohibition on carrying without a permit for the following transport purposes.[3]
- Carrying a newly purchased firearm in its original packaging from the point of sale to your residence or business
- Removing household goods (including firearms) during a move
- Transporting a firearm from your residence or business to a place or person where or by whom it is to be repaired, or returning to your residence or business after repair
- Transporting a firearm in or through Connecticut for competitions or firearm training at a firing range, training facility, fish and game club or sporting club, if you are a bona fide U.S. resident and may lawfully possess and carry it where you reside
- Transporting a firearm in or through Connecticut to attend a meeting or exhibition of an organized collectors' group, if you are a bona fide U.S. resident and may lawfully possess and carry it where you reside
- Transporting a firearm to and from a testing range at the request of the issuing authority
Long Gun Transport
CGS 53-205 generally prohibits carrying or possessing a rifle or shotgun in a vehicle or snowmobile with a loaded shell or cartridge capable of being discharged in its barrel, chamber or magazine. Subject to the exceptions in CGS 29-37a(e), a valid pistol permit or long gun eligibility certificate is one of the credentials required to purchase or receive a long gun under CGS 29-37a. Those acquisition requirements do not themselves authorize transport to shooting activities. Unless an exception in CGS 53-205(c) applies, long guns must be unloaded during transport in a vehicle or snowmobile. Keep them properly secured during transport.[4]
Vehicles Without a Trunk
During interstate transport through Connecticut under CGS 29-38d, if your vehicle has no compartment separate from the passenger compartment, the unloaded firearm and ammunition must be stored in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.[3]
Interstate Transport Through Connecticut
Persons not prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving or possessing a firearm may transport it through Connecticut for a lawful purpose under federal law (FOPA, 18 U.S.C. 926A) and state law (CGS 29-38d) if they may lawfully possess and carry it at both the origin and destination and meet the transport conditions below. The firearm must be unloaded and neither the firearm nor ammunition may be readily accessible from the passenger compartment. You may not use or carry the firearm while in Connecticut. CGS 29-38d does not specify a fuel-and-food-only rule for stops.[5]