CGS 29-38d:
Interstate Transportation Through Connecticut

Connecticut General Statutes Section 29-38d provides a state-law safe passage provision for persons lawfully transporting firearms through Connecticut. The statute provides that Connecticut's carrying and vehicle weapons statutes do not apply to the interstate transportation of firearms through the state in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 926A and 927 by a person who is not otherwise prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving or possessing a firearm, provided the transportation is in accordance with subsection (b).^[1]

Who Is Protected

CGS 29-38d(a) exempts from the provisions of CGS 29-35 (carrying without a permit) and CGS 29-38 (weapons in vehicles) any person who:^[1]

• Is transporting a firearm interstate through Connecticut
• Is in compliance with federal safe passage provisions (18 U.S.C. 926A and 927)
• Is not otherwise prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing a firearm
• Is transporting the firearm from a place where they may lawfully possess and carry it to another place where they may lawfully possess and carry it

Transport Requirements

During transportation through Connecticut, travelers must comply with specific conditions under subsection (b):^[1]

• The firearm must be unloaded
• Neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported may be readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle
• If the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the passenger compartment (such as a trunk), the firearm must be unloaded and both the firearm and any ammunition must be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console

Prohibited Activities During Transit

Subsection (c) limits what a person may do while transporting a firearm through Connecticut under this provision. No person transporting a firearm through the state under CGS 29-38d may:^[1]

• Use or carry the firearm while in Connecticut
• Sell, deliver, or otherwise transfer the firearm while in the state

Federal FOPA Context

Under the federal statute 18 U.S.C. 926A, added by Pub. L. 99-360 in 1986, a person who is not otherwise prohibited by 18 U.S.C. chapter 44 from transporting, shipping or receiving a firearm is entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where the person may lawfully possess and carry it to any other place where the person may lawfully possess and carry it. During transportation, the firearm must be unloaded and neither it nor any ammunition may be readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. In a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's compartment, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console. CGS 29-38d provides that CGS 29-35 and 29-38 do not apply to interstate transportation through Connecticut in accordance with this federal statute.^[2]

Practical Considerations

Travelers passing through Connecticut should be aware of several practical points:

• Ammunition must also be secured: Both the firearm and any ammunition must be inaccessible from the passenger compartment, or, if no separate compartment exists, contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console
• Connecticut-banned firearms: Travelers should exercise caution when transporting firearms that may be classified as assault weapons under Connecticut law.
• Documentation: Carrying proof of lawful ownership and of the origin and destination of travel is advisable