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 incorporates the protections of the federal Firearm Owners' Protection Act (FOPA) under 18 U.S.C. 926A and 927, ensuring that travelers who comply with federal requirements are not subject to prosecution under Connecticut's carrying and vehicle weapons statutes.^[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) strictly 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

This means the safe passage protection applies only during continuous, uninterrupted travel through Connecticut. Stopping for purposes other than ordinary travel needs (such as fuel, rest, or emergencies) may jeopardize the protection.

Federal FOPA Context

The federal Firearm Owners' Protection Act of 1986 (18 U.S.C. 926A) provides that a person may transport a firearm through any state provided the firearm is unloaded and not readily accessible, and the person can lawfully possess the firearm at both the origin and destination. CGS 29-38d codifies this federal protection into Connecticut state law, providing an additional layer of legal clarity for travelers.^[2]

Practical Considerations

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

• No extended stops: FOPA and CGS 29-38d protect continuous travel through the state. Extended stops -- such as overnight hotel stays, visiting friends, or sightseeing -- may take a traveler outside the scope of the protection
• Ammunition must also be secured: Both the firearm and any ammunition must be inaccessible from the passenger compartment, or locked in a container if no separate compartment exists
• Connecticut-banned firearms: Travelers should exercise caution when transporting firearms that may be classified as assault weapons under Connecticut law. While FOPA generally protects interstate transport, enforcement encounters can be complicated when the firearm in question is banned in Connecticut
• Documentation: Carrying proof of lawful ownership and of the origin and destination of travel is advisable