CGS 29-38:
Weapons in Vehicles

Connecticut General Statutes Section 29-38 governs the possession of weapons in motor vehicles. The statute makes it a criminal offense to knowingly have specified weapons, a pistol or revolver for which a proper permit has not been issued, or a machine gun that has not been registered as required by law in any vehicle owned, operated or occupied by that person, subject to statutory exceptions.^[1]

Prohibited Conduct

Under CGS 29-38, any person who knowingly has in any vehicle owned, operated, or occupied by such person any of the following is guilty of a Class D felony:^[1]

• Any "weapon" as defined by the statute
• Any pistol or revolver for which a proper permit has not been issued under CGS 29-28
• Any machine gun that has not been registered as required by CGS 53-202

Definition of "Weapon"

The statute defines "weapon" broadly to include:^[1]

• BB guns
• Blackjacks
• Metal or brass knuckles
• Police batons or nightsticks
• Dirk knives or switch knives
• Any knife with an automatic spring release mechanism and a blade over one and one-half inches in length
• Stilettos
• Any knife with an edged blade four inches or more in length
• Martial arts weapons or electronic defense weapons
• Any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument

Permit Holder Vehicle Carry

A person holding a valid Connecticut State Pistol Permit may carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle. The permit effectively authorizes both on-person and in-vehicle carry of pistols and revolvers.^[2]

Transport Without a Permit

CGS 29-35 provides exceptions to its carrying restrictions that include transporting a firearm for repair, firearm training or removal of household goods, subject to that section's conditions. It must be unloaded and, if the vehicle has a separate compartment, not readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. If the vehicle has no separate compartment, it must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.^[2]

Exceptions

The statute provides limited exceptions for:^[1]

• Officers charged with the preservation of the public peace while engaged in their official duties
• Security guards carrying a baton or nightstick in a vehicle while engaged in their official duties
• Persons enrolled in and currently attending a martial arts school, with official verification, while transporting a martial arts weapon to or from the school or an authorized event or competition
• Certified martial arts instructors while transporting a martial arts weapon to or from the school or an authorized event or competition

Penalties

A violation of CGS 29-38 is a Class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000. Probation is normally limited to 3 years, but the court may impose up to 5 years at its discretion.^[1] The statute applies to anyone who "knowingly" has the prohibited items in the vehicle, meaning the prosecution must prove that the defendant was aware of the weapon's presence.