Anaya Nolan
Colorado is one of 31 open-carry states in the U.S., meaning that most adults are allowed to openly carry firearms without a permit. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and local laws may prohibit open carry in certain places. For example, Denver prohibits the open carry of firearms within city limits. Additionally, certain individuals, such as convicted felons and people under restraining orders, are prohibited from carrying firearms anywhere in Colorado.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Open carry laws in Colorado | Allowed for most adults without a permit |
| Age requirement | 18 and over |
| Places where open carry is prohibited | Federal property, federal buildings, courthouses, airports, schools, military bases, government buildings, and public transportation facilities |
| Local laws | Denver and some other cities and counties have stricter gun laws or prohibit open carry |
| Restricted persons | Convicted felons, fugitives, people under restraining orders, and those adjudicated as mentally defective |
| Penalties for violating open carry laws | Misdemeanor charges, fines, jail time, felony charges, steeper fines, and prison sentences |
| Concealed carry | Requires a permit |
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What You'll Learn
Open carry laws in Colorado apply to adults 18 and over
Colorado is one of 31 open-carry states in the US, meaning that most adults are allowed to "open carry" a firearm without a permit. However, there are some important nuances and restrictions to these laws that individuals should be aware of.
Firstly, individuals must be at least 18 years old to openly carry a firearm in Colorado. The firearm must be securely fastened in a holster designed to carry a handgun and prevent accidental discharge, and it should be visible from three sides of the body. While a permit is not required for open carry, a permit is necessary if an individual wishes to carry a concealed weapon.
Open carry is prohibited in certain locations, including federal buildings, courthouses, airports, schools, and military bases. Additionally, many private businesses can choose to prohibit firearms on their premises, and individuals may be asked to leave if the owner or manager requests. Local laws may also prohibit open carry in certain places, and some cities and counties have stricter gun laws than the state. For example, Denver County generally prohibits the open carry of firearms within city limits, with some exceptions for law enforcement and those with concealed carry permits.
It is important to note that certain individuals are prohibited from carrying a firearm anywhere in Colorado, including convicted felons, people under restraining orders, and those adjudicated as mentally defective. Violations of specific firearm restrictions can result in serious consequences, including misdemeanor charges with fines or jail time for first-time offenders and felony charges with steeper fines and prison sentences for repeat violations.
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Open carry is banned in Denver
Open carry is legal in most of Colorado, but there is an exception for Denver County, where open carry is banned. This means that, in Denver, it is illegal to carry a firearm in plain sight without concealment.
Denver's law was challenged in the landmark case Denver v. State of Colorado, but the judge sided with the city, noting that "the State's interest in allowing the general open carry of firearms is insubstantial and is far outweighed by Denver's local interest in regulating firearms more strictly in an urbanized area." This autonomy led Denver to enact a full ban on open carry, with legal support following court cases that upheld the city's right to stricter firearm regulations.
Denver's restrictions are part of Colorado's unique "'home rule' law", which allows cities and counties to create regulations that may be stricter than state law. This means that local gun laws can be stricter than state gun laws in Colorado. The Colorado Revised Statutes has now codified this rule as 29-11.7-104 C.R.S., which provides that a local government may enact an ordinance prohibiting the open or concealed carry of a firearm in a specific type of building or area as long as signs are posted at the public entrances to the building or specific area.
While open carry is banned in Denver, it's important to note that the law does not limit the right to possess a firearm on private property for self-defense or in vehicles, as long as state law restrictions are observed. Additionally, certain individuals, including law enforcement officers, are exempt from the open carry ban in Denver.
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No permit is required to open carry in Colorado
Colorado is one of 31 open-carry states in the US. This means that, in most cases, adults can carry a firearm in plain sight without a permit. However, there are some important nuances and restrictions to this law.
Firstly, Colorado has no express laws about the right to carry a firearm openly. The right to possess a gun is protected under Article 2, Section 3 of the Colorado Constitution, but local gun laws can be stricter than state gun laws. For example, Denver County generally prohibits the open carry of firearms, with some exceptions for law enforcement and those with concealed carry permits. This is part of Colorado's ""home rule" law, which allows cities and counties to create regulations that may be stricter than state law. Other counties may also have their own restrictions, so it is important to research local laws before carrying a firearm in public.
Secondly, certain individuals are prohibited by law from carrying a firearm anywhere in Colorado, including convicted felons, people under restraining orders, and those adjudicated as mentally defective. Additionally, individuals must be at least 18 years old to carry a firearm in Colorado, and the firearm must be securely fastened in a holster designed to prevent accidental discharge.
Thirdly, there are restrictions on where individuals can carry firearms in Colorado. Federal law prohibits open carry in certain locations, such as federal buildings, courthouses, airports, schools, and military bases. Open carry is also prohibited on public transportation if the firearm is loaded. Furthermore, many private businesses can choose to prohibit firearms on their premises, and individuals may be asked to leave if the owner or manager requests.
While no permit is required for open carry in Colorado, a permit is necessary if an individual wishes to carry a concealed weapon.
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Certain individuals are prohibited from carrying a firearm
Open carry is legal in Colorado for any person who is at least 18 years old and who can legally possess a firearm. However, there are exceptions to the rule, and certain individuals are prohibited from carrying a firearm.
Firstly, Denver County generally prohibits the open carry of firearms. Local governments may enact regulations prohibiting the open carrying of firearms in specific areas or buildings, provided that signs are posted to that effect.
Secondly, certain classes of people are forbidden from carrying a firearm anywhere in Colorado. This includes felons, fugitives, and subjects of protective orders that bar firearm possession. Additionally, individuals are prohibited from openly carrying a firearm in certain locations, such as on school grounds or federal property, including courthouses and post offices. It is also illegal to carry a firearm on public transportation if it is loaded.
Colorado law also allows individuals to possess a handgun in a dwelling, place of business, or automobile for lawful protection. However, when carrying the weapon into a home, business, hotel room, etc., it must be in plain view. Local jurisdictions may not enact laws that restrict an individual's ability to travel with a weapon.
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Open carry is banned in certain locations
Denver, for example, generally prohibits the open carry of firearms within city limits. However, there are some exceptions for law enforcement and those with concealed carry permits. Denver's restrictions are part of Colorado's
In addition to location-based restrictions, certain individuals are prohibited by law from carrying a firearm anywhere in Colorado. These individuals include convicted felons, people under restraining orders, and those adjudicated as mentally defective.
It is important to familiarize oneself with the laws and regulations of a particular jurisdiction before carrying a firearm in public.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Colorado is an open-carry state, meaning that most adults are allowed to “open carry” a firearm without a permit. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
You cannot open carry in various places in Colorado, including federal property, school grounds, and public places. Local laws may also prohibit open carry in certain places. For example, Denver prohibits open carry within city limits, with some exceptions for law enforcement and those with concealed carry permits.
Yes, certain individuals, including convicted felons, people under restraining orders, and those adjudicated mentally defective, are prohibited from carrying a firearm anywhere in Colorado.
