[NWGlocker]

Question for LEO's all the people that carry. If you're pulled over by a LEO how should one behave? I've read a couple of suggestions but I'm wondering what the glock pro'ers think. Here's what I've heard/read:

-- Roll down all windows
-- Interior lights on if it's at night.
-- Hands stay on the steering wheel until asked for license/registration.
-- I realize it'll vary from state to state whether or not you're legally obligated to declare if you have a loaded firearm in the car. For me, when I'm asked by the LEO I would hand them my drivers license as well as my CCW license, then answer all questions he/she has while I keep my hands visible and on the wheel.

Does this seem reasonable so far?

Thanks in advance

 

[RAT TA TAT TAT]

Cops will kno you have a CCW or whatever by the time they approach your vehicle. Just keeps your hands on the wheel, and more than likely the first question out of their mouth before they ask for your license will be...is there a firearm in the vehicle? theyll ask where it is in the car and tell you to keep your hands on the wheel, then theyll go about their reasoning for the stop. Just be cool and keep your hands on the wheel youll be fine.

 

[Bulldawg]

This is a must watch for everyone.....including teenagers!

 

[LongGoneDays]

Cops will not always know if you are carrying or not. That depends on your state, and obviously if you are driving a car registered to you or not.

My preferred method is window down, my right hand on the wheel and my left hand out the window holding both my driver & carry licenses, with the carry license on top so they clearly see what it is. My state requires me to inform that I'm carrying.

This works a lot better for me than any way I've heard someone using words. Only had to do it once so far and it went fine.

 

[VolGrad]

Cops will kno you have a CCW or whatever by the time they approach your vehicle.

Like some already pointed out this statement is only true in some localities. In Georgia it is NOT true. Our GWL is NOT linked to our DL and the info resides in different databases with different agencies within the state. The LEO has ZERO access to the GWL info on scene.

How to act? As one would always act ... like a gentleman, of course.

Here's my process;
pull over to a safe place ... safe for me and for the LEO who will be on foot alongside traffic
turn off radio
roll down window all the way
have DL in hand already before the LEO gets to my window
hands on steering wheel
if dark, turn the interior light on
don't reach for anything or dig around for anything ... in GA we don't have to show registration unless asked so I leave it where it's at rather than digging around in the dash for it
speak to the officer politely & professionally ... same as I expect to be treated
let him dictate the way the stop goes, not me

Side note: In GA we are not required to tell the LEO up front we are armed. Some states DO require this. Know the law in your state. I don't volunteer this info unless I asked. I have never been asked to step out of my vehicle but if I am asked ... at that point I will prob let them know I am armed. If a LEO asks me directly if I am armed I will answer truthfully and offer my GWL for their inspection.

 

[jlw]

Some states have license/permit status linked with the driver's license database, but not all states do. Likewise, some states require drivers to disclose if they are carrying, but not all have such a requirement.

My advice is to not make the weapon an issue unless it is going to be an issue.

Click here to see an article that I wrote on the subject. Please note that it is based on GA, and some of the laws in GA have changed since this was written.

 

[boredom]

in NC your ccw permit is tied to your DL number, not your plates, so you are advised/required to let the officer know that you are carrying. if you dont have your ccw permit, the weapon must be clearly visible before the officer approaches. for me, if im stopped i will:
-put on my hazards and pull over to a safe location (median on left side of the road, gas station with lights, shopping center, etc)
-turn interior lights on
-cut the car off
-have license ready
-be respectful
-gun on dash, mag separate (until my ccw permit comes in)
-hold a conversation with the officer about why im being stopped/guns/etc
-get told to have a nice day/night

 

[RAT TA TAT TAT]

I would not put your gun on the dash! If I pulled you over and first thing I see is a gun on the dash, im gonna be a little nervous. Doesnt matter if the mag is out or not, there could be a round in the chamber for all the officer knows. Just dont touch it, simple as that. Nothing to worry about, your not breaking any laws, just be cool. If its required to inform the officer that your packing heat, tell him. If the officer aks, answer him honestly. You'll be fine my man!

 

[VolGrad]

I would not put your gun on the dash! If I pulled you over and first thing I see is a gun on the dash, im gonna be a little nervous. Doesnt matter if the mag is out or not, there could be a round in the chamber for all the officer knows.

That's exactly what I was thinking. Visible gun when LEO approaches window is likely to get you drawn down on. I can't believe they made a law like that. That's nuts.

 

[boredom]

it seems crazy to me, but its the law in NC that if you dont have a current CCW permit, the weapon must be visible on either the passenger seat or dash board. saying "oh its tucked under my seat" or "its on the back seat" is technically concealed because its in your immediate area. sucks, i know, but im itching for my permit to come in. i havent been pulled with my gun on me yet, so no issues.

 

[sfguard]

Like already said not all police are going to know you have a permit. Especially if it is a out of state permit. Just use some common sense. Hands on the wheel until told to get something. Then slow deliberate movements. Cab light on. Radio off. So on. Only make the pistol known if you have to by that State's law.

 

[TheLaw]

I start with - not getting pulled over but if that fails, then I do the following;

Pull over to a safe place for everyone involved.
Interior Lights on if it's dark
Window(s) all the way down
Hands on the steering wheel.
*I won't even get my DL/Insurance out as I have to move around in my seat to get my wallet out, etc.
Speak politely to the Officer as long as I am being spoken to politely
Don't mention the firearm until it's going to become an issue. If at all.

 

[Don Glock]

Some states have license/permit status linked with the driver's license database, but not all states do. Likewise, some states require drivers to disclose if they are carrying, but not all have such a requirement.

My advice is to not make the weapon an issue unless it is going to be an issue.

Click here to see an article that I wrote on the subject. Please note that it is based on GA, and some of the laws in GA have changed since this was written.

yeah in MI you have to disclose to the officer that you have a CCW and are packin. it's not on the driver's license, but i heard that's coming soon.

 

[sfguard]

More tips in dealing with the police. (Some language maybe considered offensive by a few most will laugh though)

 

[kaboom]

more tips in dealing with the police. (some language maybe considered offensive by a few most will laugh though)

lol!!!!!!

 

[lhawkwing]

More tips in dealing with the police. (Some language maybe considered offensive by a few most will laugh though)

Thankfully once I saw it was Chris Rock I knew to stop drinking that soda.

Thanks for the much needed laugh.

As to the original topic, this is what my CHL class instructor suggested with his additional comments:

1. Pull over in a safe location, off the road if possible or as far to the side.
2. Turn the engine off.
3. Hazard lights on.
4. Interior lights on if the inside of the car is dark (night or whatever).
5. Hands on the steering wheel with the window all the way down.
6. If you are armed, inform. (Ohio requires CHL holders to inform only if armed, but if it is your car they know from running the plates.)

Of course there's the polite interactions, and following all lawful requests/orders.
I think common sense is a good rule of thumb, and knowing what is required for any state you may be driving in.

My first rule of thumb, though, is if at all possible not to attract that kind of attention in the first place.

Jeff

 

[__jb]

in NC your ccw permit is tied to your DL number, not your plates, so you are advised/required to let the officer know that you are carrying. if you dont have your ccw permit, the weapon must be clearly visible before the officer approaches. for me, if im stopped i will:
-put on my hazards and pull over to a safe location (median on left side of the road, gas station with lights, shopping center, etc)
-turn interior lights on
-cut the car off
-have license ready
-be respectful
-gun on dash, mag separate (until my ccw permit comes in)
-hold a conversation with the officer about why im being stopped/guns/etc
-get told to have a nice day/night

Laws are different in Florida, but!

I would be very careful about putting a gun on the dashboard when being pulled over by a police officer. Imagine what an officer would think if he walks up to your vehicle and you have a gun in your hand... Being drawn on might not be the worst thing that could happen...

 

[NWGlocker]

Thanks for the help, gang. Pulling into a location safe for both driver and officer is a great tip. WA state doesn't link the concealed license to any other database, and there's no law stating I have to declare. Common sense, first I guess. I don't think I'll make an issue of the gun unless it comes up (asked to get out of the car, request to search vehicle, etc).

 

[sfguard]

Thankfully once I saw it was Chris Rock I knew to stop drinking that soda.

Thanks for the much needed laugh.

Jeff

No problem, I do what I can where I can

 

[VolGrad]

I don't think I'll make an issue of the gun unless it comes up (asked to get out of the car, request to search vehicle, etc).

To expound on this a bit ....

I will never knowingly lie or mislead an officer.
If he ask me directly, "Do you have any weapons in the car?"
I will answer truthfully and say, "Yes. I am licensed to carry it.".
We'll see how it goes from there.

If he asks, "Do you have anything in the car I need to know about?"
I will answer truthfully and say, "No."
I don't have anything in my vehicle he needs to be concerned about. I have nothing illegal and my weapon is no danger to him.

As far as searching my vehicle goes .... never without a warrant. I can say this here and now ... I have never once used any illegal substance. I have never once had any illegal substance in my possession. I have absolutely nothing to hide whatsoever but will not submit to a warrant less search. If the officer has reasonable ariticulable suspicion (the Chief will correct me on the terminology if I messed it up) then he can explain that to the judge and get a warrant. Until then .... "Am I Free To Go?" Searching my vehicle without a good reason is a waste of my time and a waste of the officer's time. That's time he could be conducting traffic enforcement, searching for bad guys, answering another call, backing up his LEO buddies, etc.