Connecticut laws by category

Only sparklers and fountains are legal in Connecticut, and only for people 16 or older; all aerial or exploding devices — firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets — plus novelties such as smoke bombs, party poppers, snappers and snakes remain illegal for consumers. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

A Connecticut permit is required to carry a handgun in public. You must be 21 or older. The permit is issued only after the authority finds you a "suitable person." Out-of-state residents who hold a permit from their own state may apply to the Connecticut State Police for a nonresident Connecticut permit.

Connecticut is not a control state, but spirits and wine are restricted: package stores sell beer, wine and spirits, while grocery and convenience stores may sell beer only (no wine or spirits). A person may hold only one off-premise spirit/wine permit.

Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles — Connecticut has no state ban on them.

In Connecticut, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16. Licenses are issued by the CT Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP).

State sales tax is 6.35%; Connecticut has no local or municipal sales taxes. Certain sales carry special rates (e.g., meals 7.35%, some motor vehicles/luxury goods 7.75%).

Recreational cannabis is legal in Connecticut for adults 21 and older (Public Act 21-1). It is regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection.

In Connecticut, every hunter must wear at least 400 sq in of fluorescent orange clothing above the waist, visible from all sides, from September 1 through the last day of February. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Connecticut sports betting is legal both retail and online/mobile; minimum age 21 (PA 21-23, live Oct 2021). Via the two tribes and the CT Lottery; regulated by DCP Gaming Division.

Connecticut requires residents, Connecticut property owners and operators of Connecticut-registered vessels to hold a boating certificate to operate any boat with a motor, or a sailboat 19.5 ft or longer. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Carrying a switchblade with a blade over 1.5 inches on the person is a class E felony (Conn. Gen. Stat. 53-206); only automatic blades 1.5 inches or under may be carried.

Connecticut has no drone-specific privacy statute for persons/property; its only drone-surveillance crime (PA 25-1) covers critical infrastructure; general voyeurism 53a-189a may apply.