Connecticut
Secure Storage Laws in Connecticut
Connecticut has some of the strongest gun laws in the country and has all of the foundational gun laws in place. These gun safety laws include a full secure storage law, which took effect in Connecticut in 2023.
State Requirements
Secure Storage in Connecticut
Connecticut state law requires gun owners to securely store their firearms — in the home and in vehicles — to prevent unauthorized access and theft. Expand each section below for full requirements and what happens if they aren’t met.
The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.
Requirements for guns in homes in Connecticut
Unless gun owners are carrying their firearms or have them close enough to be accessed as if being carried, gun owners in Connecticut are required to store their firearm(s) in their homes securely to keep children and other unauthorized users from accessing them.
Secure storage means storing a firearm in a securely locked box or other secure container.
Connecticut secure gun storage requirements for guns in vehicles
Connecticut’s secure gun storage laws apply to unattended vehicles. A gun owner may not leave a handgun in an unattended vehicle unless the handgun is stored in:
- A locked trunk (that cannot be accessed through the passenger compartment);
- A locked safe or a locked glove box;
- A locked toolbox or utility box attached to the bed of a pickup truck.
Consequences for Connecticut gun owners who fail to meet the above requirements for storing their gun(s)
Gun owners may be subject to criminal penalties if they fail to follow the requirements outlined above. More serious criminal penalties may apply if a person gains access to a firearm that is not securely stored and that person uses the firearm to cause injury or death.
By the Numbers
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More than 1,300 children and teens (0–19) die by gun suicide each year — 4 children and teens each day.Everytown Research analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, WONDER Online Database, Provisional Mortality Statistics, Multiple Cause of Death (accessed August 10, 2026). Average: 2021–2025. Ages: 0–19.
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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year; a significant portion of those are stolen from cars.
Best Practices
Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles
Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.
There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.
Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.
Remember
Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely
Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.
Locked Up
With keys or codes kept private
Unloaded
Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun
Separate from ammunition
Store ammunition in a different place from guns
Download
Connecticut Secure Gun Storage Sheet
Download information about secure gun storage in Connecticut in English or Spanish.