I show them my carry license, and say “yes officer, I have ONE in the vehicle.” I don’t say weapon or gun. Even in Illinois, I just volunteer the info. I don’t want any miscommunication with an officer that may or may not be inexperienced with how to handle this, in the current social climate.
I keep my hands on the wheel and IMMEDIATELY say, “Officer I’m armed.” I have always received a polite response and specific instructions on what to do next.
I remove my driver’s and carry licenses from my wallet, then the registration and insurance card from the slot above my head and place them on the dashboard. I roll down my window and place my hands at the top of the steering wheel. I give the officer all four at once. When asked, I reply politely and use “sir” &/or “ma’am” a lot.
“Officer, I have a concealed carry permit and I am [ carrying / transporting ] a firearm at this time. It is located [ on my right hip / in a locked case on the passenger seat / in the floor holster beside my right knee ]. How would you like me to proceed?”
So far, I haven’t needed to test that out, so I don’t have anything to share about how it works.
Dome light on, keys on dash, hands on steering wheel basic starter…
It’s not easy for me to reach my wallet while sitting, usually requires a maneuver with the seatbelt off and my carry is virtually inline with my wallet, I leave it be and inform the officer I have a permit to carry and my carry is near my wallet. Most times, the officer allows me to step out of my vehicle and clearly get my wallet in full of view for the officer. Only once has the officer said I do not need to show him my license…
I rarely ever get stopped, if I do, it’s usually for the random light out, last time I was stopped was due to me accidentally flashing the officer in broad daylight several hundred yards away with a newly installed light bar.
Handy list since I will be road tripping December.
Louisiana State Trooper stopped me. I saw the blue lights come on up ahead of me, looked down & realized I was speeding. I immediately put my flashers on & pulled over. He drove to me, turned around behind me, & came up behind me. I never reached for anything. It was daylight, but I rolled down the window & waited keeping my hands on the wheel at all times. When he approached, the first words out of my mouth was, Trooper you need to know I am armed & have a CCP. He thanked me for telling him. Asked where it was. From there I answered every question & didn’t reach for anything until I was told to. He was very professional, never disarmed me, and by the time this was over. I drove off without a ticket. Bottom line to the story, do exactly what you are told, be respectful, & they will treat you the same. Added bonus, no tickets. That may not always happen. I was wrong for speeding, if he would have wrote the ticket, so be it. I made a mistake. But even with a ticket, we both would have gone home.
Over the 15+ years I have been carrying , Have been through mulitiple traffic and Lic check stops. Have yet to have any problems. But also In my area know alot of the LEOs state and local. Usually have usual info ready for the officer long before they get to my window… Have a great day Zee
Im originally from south philly. And alot of philly cops would say they can take your gun off you if you do not upfront notify. Thats illegal as far as philly trying to pre empt Harrisburg.
Ohio as june 2022 you do not need to notify unless asked be it ccw or constitutional carry. But its my understanding if you have a permit it’s now tied to your driver driver’s licenses. Likewise in PA its tied to your vehicle registration.
