The information presented here is his approach and is intended to create conversation on the subject.

The laws of your state are likely different than his and no two situations are ever the same.

We recommend you speak with an attorney in your jurisdiction for definitive advice on carrying a firearm.

In this photo, we see a police patrol car making a traffic stop. It helps to illustrate how to handle a traffic stop while carrying a ccw handgun. If you have a concealed weapon permit to carry a concealed handgun or a permit to carry, calmly tell the officer to help make the officer feel better about you carrying a gun.

Being stopped for, say, a traffic violation and you have a CCW? It can be a tricky situation, but one you want to handle correctly. Image: Shutterstock/Grindstone Media Group

Life happens, distractions happen, violations happen.

In return, police traffic stops happen.

As a former LE agent, I am familiar with both sides of the coin of a stop.

This photo shows a police traffic stop in a suburban neighborhood. The officer safety concerns are real so don’t be digging around in the cary or shout “I have a gun”. Instead, have your CCW permit ready along with your driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration. The it’s a simple as telling the officer that you are lawfully in possession of a loaded firearm and that you are going to do everything the officer tells you to do.

If you are stopped while lawfully carrying a firearm, remain calm and keep your hands on the steering wheel. Let the officer tell you how he would like to proceed. Image:Ildar Sagdejev/CC BY 2.0

The majority of these incidents unfold very quickly and violently.

it’s possible for you to go on YouTube and see many of these same videos.

Officers know that the majority of the citizens they encounter are not a threat.

Here we see a traffic stop of a lawfully armed citizen near New York. If stopped, answer the questions the officer asks so long as they are for safety reasons. You should avoid anything that would escalate the situation. Also, be aware of any laws that may apply to you if you are a nonresident of the state where you are stopped. Keep your hands outside of the glove box and don’t reach for anything unless the officer tells you to do so.

Permitless carry is lawful in some states, but not in others. Additionally, statutes may be different for non-residents. Learn the laws before carrying into unfamiliar jurisdictions. Image: Marc A. Hermann/MTA

The problem is criminals look much the same as any other citizen.

Keep them there until directed to do otherwise.

Tell your passengers to keep their hands visible.

In this color photograph we see the words “to serve and protect” on the side of a Florida police car. Most police officers are supporters of the Second Amendment. If you are calm and cooperative, the traffic stop is likely to finish without incident.

Local laws may vary, so if traveling to another state, you should know what those laws are in all of the states you are moving through. Image: Richard Johnson

Simply resting their hands on their knees is a great way to show they are not a danger.

Inform the Officer You Are Carrying a Gun…Or Not?

Do you have anything in the car that could hurt me?

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Ive always preferred being specific.

Are there any firearms, weapons or drugs in the vehicle?

During a traffic stop, this rule applies also.

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This is often called aduty to inform.

CCW License to Carry Concealed Required?

And it isyour responsibilityto know and abide by said laws.

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If a personcannot seethe firearm,the firearm is concealed.

If a personcan seethe firearm, it isNOT considered concealed.

Many people refer to this as Constitutional Carry.

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The laws in Florida are likely different.

Same for Maine, Kansas and Alaska.

And do not trust an online forum for advice here.

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Seek qualified counsel from an attorney in your state.

Ask first or wait for direction from the officer.

Until the officer knows you are moving, just keep your hands on the wheel.

I highly discourage this action.

To someone who does not know your intent, this may look like a hostile action.

Ive spoken with a half dozen police officers in just the past week regarding this specific topic.

The response varied depending on the officer of course.

Some disarm and some dont.

Regardless Do NOT reach for or touch your firearm unless requested.

And even if it does not make sense to you, follow directives!

Dont argue on the side of the road.

For example, in 2017 a Good Samaritan assisted an Arizona State Trooper who was being savagely beaten.

This armed and humble American hero, stepped in and shot the would-be cop killer.

The two-man police cruiser made the stop between our two vehicles, with each officer independently contacting each driver.

He then stated that I would need to hand him these guns.

I respectfully asked the officer, All of them?

He hesitated, and asked how many guns were in the car.

He then said not to reach for any of them and proceeded with the stop.

And even though each vehicle was handled differently in a similar situation, there were no escalations!

Evidently everything except speeding tolerance is big in Texas.

But everyone already knows that, right?

Then you and your travelers may continue on your way, as quickly as possible.

This article was updated on March 24, 2025.