Very few times I will have my gun on me while driving. When I get in my car I usually put my gun in the glove box or not often I may even keep my gun in a bag or under my seat. I have wondered though opinions of what is the best way to handle being pulled over while your gun is actually on your body? Ex: holstered on your side or an in the waist holster?
Sometimes I've been pulled over when my gun is in the glove box and I haven't felt the need to let the officer know. I provide my license and registration which I keep in a different area so I'm not reaching towards where my gun is and the stop has been okay. If it progressed to where I'm asked to be searched or the car then I would let them know. Just trying not to open up a can of worms if I don't need to.
One time a friend of mine got pulled over, the officer when told that my friend had a ccw legally, took the gun to the back lid of the trunk unloaded it and then placed it back in the glove box. Meanwhile when the stop was done and the officer left, me and my friend were on the floor in the dirt looking for the bullets that rolled onto the ground.
But I always worry about the gun actually being on me during a stop. Thoughts?

No need to think about it. The law here is that the first words out of your mouth is to inform the officer, so that's what I'd do.

Follow your state's law....some have a duty to inform, so don't...Where I live, we must notify, but the penalty for failing to do so has been removed.

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On the Oak Savannah

Well, my first question is, if you have a valid concealed carry permit for whatever state you live in, why are you making your gun hard to reach in the event you might need it? It isn't going to do you a bit of good if you can't get ahold of it in a hurry.

I don't see anything here to worry about. If you're legally carrying, there should be no problem. Some states do require you to inform the LEO that there's a loaded handgun/weapon in the vehicle, whether you're carrying it on your person or not. Know your firearms laws and regulations.

In the event there is a problem, do what the cop tells you to do and don't argue about it. If you believe you're being treated unfairly, take it to court.

I find that having it in a holster on your body or in your pocket while actually driving is not necessarily a good idea. Hard to get to, also uncomfortable. I usually stick mine, holstered, in the crease between the front seats and hide it from sight with a hand towel I always keep in my truck. When I get out, back in the holster/pocket.

FWIW, in Texas you must voluntarily disclose the fact that you have a LTC and a firearm on every traffic stop. Even if you don't have a firearm with you you must inform the officer you have a LTC.

I have been stopped several times over the last 8 years or so and have never had a problem. I followed the rules. Also never got a ticket, even though I probably deserved to once or twice.

I would never take my gun off my body. Keep it in a holster and on your body. Way too many scenarios where you can get separated from your firearm if kept off your body.

Get yanked from your car or have to bail out....ooops, gun is in glove compartment or between seats.

FYI: I've been in LE for close to 18 years which means I wore a gun on a duty belt 40+ hours a week while driving a car. I've also carried off-duty, so again that means a gun in a holster. I've never found it uncomfortable.

As required by Michigan law, I inform the officer that I have a CPL, when I hand him my driver's license, and CPL. I also advise him that I am carrying, and where it is located, on my person, in the console, etc. I would not agree to let them search me, or my vehicle.

Same in Oklahoma

__________________
Science plus Art

I always have it in my holster while driving, so I never have to remember where I left it last.

Simple to solution to being pulled over is don't do anything to get pulled over. I've been driving for over 50 years and the last time I was pulled over was 44 years ago....knock on wood!

A bit off topic, but if you drive with friend that also carry's it's important for you to know if they are legal as well, and especially not a prohibited possessor. This was brought up in my Nevada CCW class and is something that could land you in the slammer real quick.

A gun lawfully carried belongs on one's person...not rattling around somewhere in one's ride. Or anywhere else for that matter.

That said, I have zero difficulty carrying (usually IWB) at 3:30 or so. Most often a j-frame...and in a shoulder holster when on a long roadie.

Be safe.

Different states have different laws....find out what is required in YOURS.

Randy

My state, KS, is a constitutional carry state. If ever pulled over, which is unlikely as I always obey traffic laws, I would tell the officer I was armed. The reason is I am a retired deputy sheriff, and have been in the officer's place and I would want to know. Regardless if the law required it or not, I would tell the officer.

You don't say what state you're in.

In Texas you have to inform the police if you're pulled over that you have an LTC (license to carry) but only if you actually have a gun with you. It doesn't matter where it is. (You should do it, anyway, because the LTC comes up on the computer when they check your DL.) If you don't have an LTC you can legally have a concealed handgun in your vehicle and you don't have to say anything about it.

It's your state laws that matter. If they require a disclosure then disclose it. If they don't then do whatever the rules are.

BUT NEVER NEVER NEVER go scrounging around for your wallet when you're pulled over. Just wait until the officer asks for it. Especially if your gun is in the console or glove compartment. Deliver your identification as required only when asked. Keep your mouth shut about the gun if it's not required to disclose it - it just annoys LEOs when people blurt out "I HAVE A GUN" when there is no necessity for such a statement.

the standard response is to keep your hands on the wheel till told ok to move them.

some states require you to inform said officer immediately. so check your states laws on this, and any other states laws you might travel through. also is your permit valid in said "other" states?

i would side on the side of keeping your hands on the wheel, and informing the officer first off. sure can be a bh but could solve many more problems.
just let the officer believe he is in control and he will (maybe) keep his hand off his gun.

if you have been given permission from your state to exercise your birth right and carry a gun, and you are obeying said states laws should be a no problem.


.

Like KSDeputy, I too live in Kansas. Despite being a constitutional carry state I would automatically inform the officer right off the bat with hands at 10 and 2. If the rolls were reversed I would want to know.

Knock on wood but I have not been pulled over since I started carrying (going on 3 years) While driving I put my gun (still holstered) in between the center console and the driver's seat in my Jeep with the handle still semi visible and easy to reach quickly should I need to.

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In Missouri no sweat with CCW or open carry in cars, trucks and motorcycles. No informing the LEO's.
And 1/1/2017 NO PERMIT for CCW. I love this State.

First, it sounds like you get stopped for traffic violations frequently! Are you a slow learner? The traffic laws in your state are available to study and obeying traffic markings and signs should be fairly obvious, the signs and markings are there to be seen/read, do it! They are not suggestions like many seem to think, they are lawful commands, the obedience to which is mandatory, not optional. They are "real" laws and violating them is a criminal act of some degree. In short, stop doing what you are doing to get stopped, it will save you money for insurance too!

As several have said carry your gun on your person. Forget the console, glove box, under the seat, etc. If you don't recall from your concealed (whatever your state calls the permit/license) classes what the requirements for declaring on a confrontation with an officer for any reason then go to the source, your states laws concerning this. Believe it or not you can find this on-line for every state! Start with: (Your state) code for a search. Then, if you get stopped, keep your hands on the steering wheel and keep them there until the officer is at the window. Announce if you are required and follow his instructions and answer his questions clearly and unequivocally. Do not reach for your wallet until told to present your license. do not make any move that could be construed as reaching for a gun, it could get you shot even if you have already declared that you are armed!

__________________
Gunsmithing since 1961

Duty to inform varies state state to state. Seek advice from a qualified instructor or an attorney.

If your gun is not comfortable to carry while driving, you need to adjust your carry option. A different position on your hip, a more pronounced cant, a higher-riding holster, or perhaps even a gun with a shorter muzzle. Lots of guys want to brag about how they CCW their duty-size pistol, and lots of holstermakers have done the "tunz of gunz" photoshoot, but let's be serious here. There's a limit to comfort. I can open-carry my 1911--and maybe even conceal it with the right cover garment--but all that goes out the window when I get into a car.

Back in the day, when LEO's carried 6" or 4" medium- to large-frame revolvers, and the occasional 1911 auto, popular duty holsters actually had a swivel built into the drop. This allowed the muzzle end to follow the leg when seated. And this was back when departments had height and weight minimums, and no female officers!

If you expect to do a lot of driving, and are primarily worried about threats when in your car, you might consider carrying cross-draw or even cross-draw from the shoulder, both of which are easier to access when driving. Alternatively, there's also the ankle holster, but that could be tough to access depending on your car and size, or after a vehicular collision, or if you're not particularly spry.

That's...well, that's not a very good idea, for any one of a number of reasons.

As an LEO, the "under my seat" comment is the only thing that concerns me in your post. For a number of reasons that's not a great place to keep it, mainly for your own safety.

__________________
- Change it back -

I don't know what the law is in VT, but I tell the LEO immediately.

Truth be told I can't recall the last time I got pulled over but I still prefer to know rather than assume things. In regards to being a slow learner, have you been assuming things all your life? I have found that in this forum for some reason the most simplest of questions asked have led many people to attack the person asking them. It's a shame because I love Smith and Wesson but I don't like what I've seen on some of these forums. We should all be on here to help one another, maybe even laugh at things. I went once on another firearm forum and saw someone writing about how people are on this SW Forum and I've seen post on this forum also with people not understanding why they're being called out. To sit here and assume someone is consistently breaking the law or a slow learner it says a lot about you and is surprising when coming from someone who has defended our country and also has Law Enforcement experience. I thank you for your sacrifices and respect what you do but remember in order to get respect you should give. My state has no law in regards to whether you must inform an officer I was just trying to get various thoughts, opinions not a scolding or assumption about breaking any laws.
Just so you know the many times I did get pulled over had nothing at all to do with laws being broken but me owning a very nice show car. Many times officers pulled me over, ran all my information, even searched my vehicle and then let me go on my way. They must have been assuming things too, There must be a lot of that going around.

Ten Lights, I think Alk hit the nail on the head or maybe, you aren't truly slow, just like living on the edge. Living on the edge and having a loaded gun in your car is a great way to get shot! People on this forum take it personal when gun carrying people do stupid things. If you can't stand the heat, then why did you ask? Are you trolling for an argument? That will get you removed fast around here. You have been given some pretty good advice (weather you like the delivery or not), you would be wiser to take it than complain about it. But this is a free country, you have the right to do unwise things and you will get to suffer the consequences of them too.

Ivan

You've been fortunate to not be pulled over but some times things don't work out that way for everyone. I owned a very nice show car and consistently got pulled over, my info was ran and then I would be let go so as you can see just cause someone gets pulled over doesn't always mean they did anything to contribute to that. Unless owning a nice car is against the law.

As for my friend or any of them, I KNOW who I put in my car. The friend who was involved in this particular stop that I spoke of is a veteran and is the one who got me interested in gun ownership and being a ccw holder. It was real disrespectful for that officer to remove all the bullets from his clip and allow them to fall on the ground to then leave them there and drive away. I can understand maybe removing the clip but to stand there and one by one remove each bullet was uncalled for. Especially he knew who he was pulling over for the most part before he made the stop. It was a driver with no arrest record, nothing. Last but not least there was no reason for the stop other than it being a random stop. That stop also happened to be in his car which also was a nice looking car.

You mind telling me what I did that was stupid? GO AHEAD I'LL WAIT
I asked a question and he went on and assumed I was breaking laws. Maybe this forum is your life but it isn't mine so if I get removed for whatever reason that's okay.

...for Ten_Lights, please.

Just what kind of car do (did?) you operate that regularly got the attention of LEO's who thereupon effected a stop? In what jurisdiction(s) did this occur?

In any of the illegal stops did the LEO ever find the gun you stashed in your car?

FTR, was a LEO for 30.5 years and have never heard of a car being stopped solely because the car was 'nice.'

Be safe.

It was an award winning show car with a highly customized paint job with candy colors, pearls and graphics. Being surrounded by many in the car show scene I know of many many people who have been pulled over primarily because they have had a flashy car. I have 3 members of my family who are in Law Enforcement all 3 are still active and they are aware of officers pulling people over just because the car has caught the officers eye. I'm very surprised that you with all your years have never ever heard of that. One of my family members who is currently a detective and used to be part of the car show culture before he was in Law Enforcement knows exactly what I mean by getting pulled over because of your car.

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That's unfortunate. I suspect you live in an area that does not have professional law enforcement personnel and leadership.

FTR, I am a car enthusiast and never, ever, ever made a stop and searched a car because it was 'nice.'

I hope you reported this LEO misconduct. But please answer my question re: did the LEO's ever find your hidden gun?

Be safe.

To answer your question, when I owned that show car I did not own a gun. The only reason that show car came up was because people were saying that I must be doing things to get pulled over when I wasn't even having a problem being pulled over but I did know from experience that you don't have to do something to get pulled over. That was the reason the show car even came up. I'm older now and drive a car that looks like everyone else's so I never get pulled over but I was just wondering people's opinions about getting pulled over while your gun is on your body.
When I was younger I used to say if I was a cop I wouldn't harass young kids that worked and took every penny and put it into their cars. I wouldn't automatically assume the car was obtained illegally or that a person dealing drugs was in it. I knew how hard I worked, even two jobs at a time just to get a new pair of rims, accessories etc added on for the next show. I know guys from back in the day that used to own custom cars, were even part of the car clubs and are now cops and they have told me they know the struggle at times of being young and working hard for your car and I think they are
very nice and understanding to pulling someone over just because of their car.
So to wrap it up, I was just trying to find out was it just me who felt a little uncomfortable with having the gun on my body when in the driver seat/getting pulled over. Justified stop or not I'm just trying to do the right thing and make it home to my family just like I'm sure the officer is.

I have my right to carry because it was never taken from me because I don't break the law and don't intend to.

MT doesn't require that you inform, but, I have been stopped twice in the last 2 years (speeding on highway) and both times I have handed them my permit along with my DL and gotten a warning and a thank you. Though I figured I knew why I was getting stopped, I don't know everything that is going on for LEOs at any given time. I do know I don't want any misunderstandings if for some reason he sees my gun.

To try and get back on track. I prefer to keep my CCW gun on my person when ever I carry one. For a long auto drive, I've been known to put my revolver in the drivers side door pocket. In NC we MUST inform L/E of the fact we are armed. I've yet to be stopped, perhaps by sheer luck. but if stopped I'm keeping my hands on the steering wheel, with window 1/2 down. First words out of mouth will be Officer I have a loaded firearm in the car. From there I'll let him/her decided our next move.

20 + years later I can admit this. several time folks talked themselves into a citation, when a friendly warning was my intention.

Ten Lights just err on the side of caution and let the officer know you have a firearm in the car.

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Always Stay Strong!

If you don't keep the firearm on you when driving, you are more likely to forget it in the car. If you can't carry it comfortably in the car, how do you sit down at work? In a restaurant? At a friends house?

I can draw my Glock just as fast sitting as standing. I carry appendix IWB and it rarely is uncomfortable

Mine is always on me. As a volunteer firefighter, I've spent many a night looking through "debris" of a car wreck in the woods/field/road trying to find the driver's id/wallet/purse because it was in their center console/passenger seat/ glove compartment. Some were found, some were not. I can't imagine how much farther a gun with more mass would travel, and I'd hate to have my firearm "roaming" free out in the world, and no one knowing to look for it. At least if it's on my body, theoretically, it should be secure.

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SDMF

I carry IWB cross-draw. It doesn't work well when seated as in the car. When in the car I remove the gun and holster from my belt. Separate gun from holster. Keep gun in my lap. When I get out of the car, the gun goes back in the holster, and back on the belt. The holster design makes this easy. I've never been pulled over. Never!

In my state (Texas) if the gun is not concealed on your lap
would not be good, open carry requires a retention holster.
I carry concealed outside my vehicle, but inside i uncover but
in a holster, since i don't want to have to take time to pull up
my shirt to draw. But knowing that I might be stopped if I am
pulled over my billfold is in my front pocket and i would pull it
out before the car stopped moving, put it on the seat, and after I am stopped, i would keep my hands on the steering wheel till the officer arrived at my window. Reaching for a
billfold suddenly is probably not a good idea. My billfold has the CHL in a clear window, along with the DL. If you had the
gun out of your holster on your lap i think that might be a problem in Texas.

If its not on your person...........Its not concealed carry period......

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S&W Accumulator

Same same here in Michigan. You're required to inform the officer you have a CPL and are carrying a sidearm. The officer decides what happens next. I've only been pulled over once since I got my CPL, and there was no problem.

Ha!
I have been stopped for no other reason than I can think of. But Lamborghinis will do that in a small town when the driver is wearing a T-shirt and baseball cap. He had no probable cause but I knew his father and didn't say anything. I was glad I had the repair order in the car though. I had just finished some small paint and body work on the air dam for a long time customer and drove it to the gas station so he wouldn't run out on the way home. I thought that was considerate.

Another time I was stopped on a test drive after completing a full up restoration on a 1925 Cadillac. But I don't think the LEO knew it didn't need a safety inspection sticker. I had to explain it to him and he called-in to check. We jawed for about a half an hour while he looked over the car. I think he just wanted to see the car because the inspection sticker didn't come up for at least 10 minutes.

All the officers in town know me now and just wave. They know if it's some stand-out car, it's probably me. I'm worried they'll see my own piece of junk and stop me.

I only show them my CPL when actually carrying. I inform them that I have a CPL and not carrying because it will show up when they call it in. I have found that by following the law exactly the officer will probably cut you some slack.

Please site THAT law. Where is it required that you HAVE to reveal your CCL when NOT carrying? And YES, I live in Texas, at least the last 30yr of so...

I agree. No reveal unless you're carrying. What would be the point?

I'm not sure...CHL-16 reads:

"GC §411.205. REQUIREMENT TO DISPLAY LICENSE.
If a license holder is carrying a handgun on or about the license holder’s person when a magistrate or a peace officer demands that the license holder display identification, the license holder shall display both the license holder’s driver’s license or identification certificate issued by the department and the license holder’s handgun license."

Emphasis mine. Doesn't say anything about when not carrying a handgun.

I always carry while driving. If I'm ever pulled over and when asked by the officer for my license, registration and proof of insurance, I'll also include my CCP. Then let them ask the questions.

__________________
Retired
Vietnam Veteran 69-70

Very interesting about getting separated from your gun. I usually have my pistol on me but know it would be hard to get to quickly. I do have another pistol on standby at an easier to get to location in my truck.
My holster is quite comfortable so it doesn't bother me while sitting or driving. What does bother me is getting out of the truck and re-holstering a pistol in plain sight of others in a parking lot. Another reason to leave it holstered.

The question of when to inform a LEO whether you are armed at a traffic stop has come up many times on another web site that I frequent. The overwhelming consensus is to not declare being armed unless required by state law or expressly asked. Experience appears to be that there is nothing to be gained and the downside inherent in meeting the one rotten apple in the barrel is too great.

This link: Do You Have A Duty To Inform When Carrying Concealed? We Look At All 50 States For The Answers – Concealed Nation may be useful and informative.

Arizona shows red, should be the lime green color. It is not Yes as shown on the map.

A conceal carry holder here near where I live was much like you .. he would put his weapon either in the glove box or in the center console .. that was till the day he forgot to retrieve it and take it in his house and his vehicle was broken into and now a Perp has his S&W Compact and an extra magazine ..

He is now worried it will be used in a gang shooting or another crime where someone innocent might be hurt ! Police have told him the odds of recovering it is slim to non existent .. they think he was being watched and someone had seen him retrieving the pistol .. the day he didn't they broke into his car .. he lives on a busy street with a good amount of foot traffic also .. but no one saw anything !!

Here in Illinois we do not have to notify but you'll find one of the first things said by a LEO is "Are there any weapons in the vehicle."

I've been stopped by the Highway Patrol - because the trooper and I were member of the same Reserve Unit. And when I showed up at work my boss told me he'd done the same to him, just jawed a bit and we laughed about it.

I've been pulled over by local LEO's twice the first four years I was living in a small town, working late and getting off past 2am. Basically they were "doing their job" but no, they were bored and could find out more about me in a stop than anything else. And, they did. "Weren't you going a little fast thru the curve back there?" got "it's posted at 35 as a caution and it's 2:30 am - you are the only other guy up at this hour." He repressed a smile and gave me my license back.

When MO had your CCW on the computer screen for your license stops were cordial and quickly resolved. Now it's not there - but for the most part old guys in old cars don't get stopped. I learned to slow it down where they stalk the roads. Dumb me if I do get stopped.

As for the actual gun, the implication is that a belt holster doesn't work well seated in a vehicle with a seat belt over it. Think about that - if you remove it to place it somewhere else, then consider why you are disarming yourself and making your defense more difficult. Belt holsters do that in a society where people drive a lot. The better answer is don't use a belt holster, and you don't have to stuff it in the seats or glovebox or under the seat where it can fly forward getting trapped under a pedal and preventing you use the controls. It belongs in a holster, no other place. Use a shoulder holster. It works better, is more comfortable, is more concealed when need be, controls the weapon at all times, and doesn't need you to put the gun anywhere else. I've spent a week on vacation with a good one, even on the beach, no problem. The point is that you decided you needed a gun - so, keep the gun on you instead of compromising your wear of it due to the choice of holster being the wrong one for what you are doing. Belt holsters aren't all that, and neither is pocket carry when driving.

Traffic stop while carrying


Cop was cool on my traffic stop


WSP's policy re: traffic stops. (Washington State)


Traffic Stop


Traffic Stop


Dont-be-a-gun-dork-in-traffic-stops



Police traffic stop while carrying

Just sayin'

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Retired Career Security Guard

Depends on the state. Here in Texas when the LEO asks for my DL I hand him my CHL as well. They usually just glance at it and hand it back. Rarely will they ask if I actually have a gun, or where it is. The most important thing is just do what the officer tells you, within reason.

If he asked me to disarm while seated, I'd tell him I'd be more comfortable if I just got out and stood up and he disarmed me himself (in clear view of his dash cam).

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