Connecticut Gun Laws
Connecticut is considered a “May Issue” state. However, Connecticut tends to operate more like a “Shall Issue” state due to multiple court decisions. There is a 2 step process to get a permit. First, an applicant must apply for a temporary permit from the local authorities and then another application is made at the state level. This results in you paying for two permits, $140 in total. Connecticut gun laws are also strict on training and they will only accept the NRA’s basic pistol course.
Connecticut CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
- Alabama
- Alaska*
- Arizona*
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa*
- Kansas*
- Kentucky*
- Michigan*
- Mississippi
- Missouri*
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma*
- South Dakota
- Tennessee*
- Texas*
- Utah*
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia*
- Wisconsin
*Restricted Reciprocity with Connecticut
States NOT Honoring CCW
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Washington
- Washington D.C
- Wyoming
Honors These States CCW Permits
Connecticut does not honor any other state’s concealed carry weapons permit.
How Reciprocity Works In Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the few states where CCW from another state doesn’t carry over. Reciprocity agreements are limited.
Reciprocity Agreements In Connecticut
Connecticut: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- Roadside rest areas
- Vehicle
Places Not Allowed
- Public or private elementary or secondary school property
- In any place of business in which one is merely an employee, not an owner or operator
- A permit is also required to transport a handgun back and forth between one’s home and place of business, or to and from a range for target shooting
- Any building in which the chamber of either house of the General Assembly is located or in which the official office of any member, officer, or employee of the General Assembly is located or any building in which a committee of the General Assembly is holding a public hearing
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law
Connecticut: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, you cannot open carry without a permit/license. However, if you have a permit/license then open carry is legal but not common. Counties and Cities can set their laws/regulations on where you can open carry.
Carry-In Vehicle
Yes, HOWEVER – You are legally required to have a permit/license to carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle. If you don’t have the appropriate permits, then you must carry your firearm unloaded in a carrying case where the ammo is separated from the firearm.
You must also lock your handgun in a secure location (either a locked glove box, safe, or trunk) if you leave your handgun unattended in a vehicle. It cannot be out in plain sight.
Carry-In State Parks
Yes/No, there’s specific language within the Connecticut code prohibiting the carrying of any firearm (long barrel or handgun) in state parks UNLESS you’re hunting during the appropriate season and have the appropriate permits.
From our research, Connecticut appears to be strict on this. There is mention of being allowed to carry firearms on federal land within the Appalachian trail so long as you have the Connecticut pistol permit.
Carry-In Restaurants
Yes, you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol, provided you have the right permits, however, if there’s any signage that prohibits firearms then you are not allowed to carry.
Constitutional Carry
No, Connecticut does not recognize constitutional carry.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
Yes, Connecticut gun laws give the force of law to “No Weapons” signs. There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs.
Must Notify Officer
No, we did not find any information related to the duty to inform within the Connecticut code. This means you are not required to tell an officer you’re carrying a firearm upon an interaction with them. However, if a law enforcement officer specifically asks you if you’re carrying a firearm and to produce your concealed carry permit, you’re required to give a valid permit and photo ID matching the permit.
Connecticut Gun Laws Non-Resident:
Non-residents with a valid out-of-state permit to carry pistols or revolvers can apply for temporary rights to carry in Connecticut. Applicants must meet age and safety course requirements.
Connecticut Gun Laws Open Carry:
Open carrying of handguns is generally prohibited in Connecticut without an open-carry pistol permit, which can be difficult to obtain. Long guns do not require permits to be carried openly outside restricted areas.
CT Gun Laws Shooting on Property:
It is generally lawful to discharge firearms on private property in Connecticut with the owner’s permission, subject to local ordinances and reasonable use of land regulations. Safety precautions like backstops must be followed.
Where Can You Not Carry a Gun in CT:
Connecticut prohibits carrying handguns in sensitive areas even with a permit, including government buildings, schools, child day care centers, restaurants/bars serving alcohol, protected wetlands areas while hunting, and within 1,500 feet of demonstrations among others.
Connecticut Gun Laws Non-Resident:
Non-residents with a valid out-of-state permit to carry pistols or revolvers can apply for temporary rights to carry in Connecticut. Applicants must meet age and safety course requirements.
Connecticut Gun Laws Open Carry:
Open carrying of handguns is generally prohibited in Connecticut without an open-carry pistol permit, which can be difficult to obtain. Long guns do not require permits to be carried openly outside restricted areas.
CT Gun Laws Shooting on Property:
It is generally lawful to discharge firearms on private property in Connecticut with the owner’s permission, subject to local ordinances and reasonable use of land regulations. Safety precautions like backstops must be followed.
Where Can You Not Carry a Gun in CT:
Connecticut prohibits carrying handguns in sensitive areas even with a permit, including government buildings, schools, child day care centers, restaurants/bars serving alcohol, protected wetlands areas while hunting, and within 1,500 feet of demonstrations among others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Connecticut’s concealed carry laws require individuals to obtain a pistol permit to legally carry a concealed firearm. While the state is not a constitutional carry jurisdiction, it does allow for open carry with a valid permit.
However, there are specific regulations governing where firearms can be carried, including restrictions in certain locations such as state parks and buildings with posted “No Weapons” signs. Understanding and adhering to these regulations is essential for responsible firearm ownership in Connecticut.
If you’re considering carrying a concealed weapon in the state, ensure you have the necessary permits and knowledge of the laws to stay within the legal boundaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Connecticut a Constitutional Carry state?
- No, Connecticut does not recognize constitutional carry. A valid pistol permit is required to carry a concealed firearm.
- Can I open carry in Connecticut?
- Yes, open carry is permitted in Connecticut with a valid pistol permit. However, it’s not very common, and local laws and regulations may vary.
- Can I carry a firearm in my vehicle?
- Yes, you can carry a firearm in your vehicle in Connecticut if you have a valid pistol permit. It must be kept either unloaded in a carrying container with ammunition separated or locked in a secure compartment.
- Are there restrictions on carrying firearms in state parks?
- Yes, Connecticut law generally prohibits carrying firearms in state parks. Some exceptions exist for individuals with valid pistol permits who are hunting during designated seasons.
- Do I need to inform law enforcement if I’m carrying a firearm?
- While there is no specific duty to inform law enforcement about carrying a firearm, you must carry your valid pistol permit and photo ID at all times. If asked by a law enforcement officer, you are required to provide these documents.
