New Mn drivers license manual advice for carry permit holders

[7shooter]

This is the new MN drivers license advice for carry permit holders :


The Minnesota Driver’s Manual already includes guidance for motorists stopped by law enforcement. The new language outlines in further detail what drivers with firearms should and should not do during a traffic stop. It also describes what motorists can expect from law enforcement.

Highlights of the guidance for motorists with firearms



The new information in the Minnesota Driver’s Manual advises motorists with firearms to:
•Keep their hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches.
•Let the officer know they have a firearm.
•Tell the officer the firearm’s location.

Drivers should not:
•Reach around inside the vehicle.
•Get out of the vehicle unexpectedly or approach the officer.


The new language also outlines what drivers can expect from law enforcement during a traffic stop. While every traffic stop varies based on the circumstances, drivers can generally expect the officer to:
•Greet the driver.
•Identify themselves as a law enforcement officer.
•Obtain the driver’s license and proof of insurance.
•Inform the individual of the reason for the stop and explain the circumstances for issuance of the citation or warning.
•Check both the validity and authenticity of the driver’s license.

Other advice for drivers during a traffic stop includes:
•Stay calm.
•Slow your vehicle and activate your turn signal.
•As soon as safely possible, pull to the right shoulder; or if on a multi-lane road and closer to the left shoulder, move to the left shoulder if there is a full lane to park.
•Avoid stopping on a bridge, curved part of a roadway, or within the lane of traffic.
•If the traffic stop is made after dark, turn on your vehicle’s interior light.
•Keep all doors shut, and remain in the vehicle unless directed otherwise by the officer.
•Keep your hands on the steering wheel so they are easily observable.
•Give the officer your full attention.
•Do not make sudden movements or search for your driver’s license or vehicle documents; wait for the officer to give you instructions.
•If you have a weapon or firearm in the vehicle, inform the officer upon your first interaction with them.

 

[SMSgt]

Glad the state of MN told its citizens this, who evidently didn't figure that out on their own.

 

[ancient-one]

Must work about the same most places. I was involved in a fender bender and the first thing that I told the officer was that I had a gun and it was in the console. I was told to keep my hands on the wheel until the officer retrieved it. When I got it back I was handed the gun and shells separately.

 

[Squarebutt]

Four years and one day too late for Philando Castile: ‘It’s About Keeping Everyone Safe’: 4 Years After Philando Castile’s Death, Minnesota Updates State’s Driver’s Manual For Legal Gun Owners – WCCO | CBS Minnesota

 

[BU1]

Glad the state of MN told its citizens this, who evidently didn't figure that out on their own.

Your sarcasm is duly noted.
It is a shame that common sense needs to be spelled out for some people. FYI, there is no duty to inform in the current carry law in MN.

 

[pawngal]

Not positive but think the "Duty to Inform" is new.

 

[7shooter]

Not positive but think the "Duty to Inform" is new.

I’m pretty sure the law hasn’t been changed. This was simply intelligent suggestions to avoid untoward consequences.

 

[Golphin]

I would do all but tell them I had a legal firearm in the vehicle unless they ask me.

 

[delcrossv]

Must be MN specific. Here in Flatland we don't have to inform the officer unless asked. I always keep my hands visible anyway- no need to make anyone nervous.

 

[BU1]

Must be MN specific. Here in Flatland we don't have to inform the officer unless asked.

We are not required by law to inform in MN. This new driving manual verbage does not have the force of law.

 

[Smoke]

Unless I'm legally required to do so or specifically asked I don't inform the cops that I'm armed.

Full disclosure: I haven't been pulled over since 2008(ish)

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Unless the law requires it you should never tell a police officer that you're armed. That is practically a verbal threat. Let them ask.

In Texas we are required to hand over our TDL, insurance card, and LTC. We are not required to say anything about the gun. Many officers just hand the LTC back and don't care. I've been pulled over a time or three and I can tell you that the "don't care" is pretty doggone common.

When I was a concealed carry instructor I always taught the students to be respectful to police, open your window, to keep their hands at 10 and 2 on the steering wheel (but turn on the inside light at night so you are visible), don't fish around for anything until the officer tells you to give him your license (and then, if you have to fish around, let the officer know what you're going to do), and then shut up. Answer the LEO's questions politely but, otherwise, don't be a jerkwad and shoot off your mouth.

Sadly, if doesn't surprise me that some states feel the necessity of putting this kind of common sense thing in print.

People love to object:

Why did you pull me over?!?!?
I didn't do anything wrong!!!
I pay your salary!!!
Are you making your quota?!?!?

And then they wonder why law enforcement officers don't treat them well.

One more thing and you can and should share this - if you are on a busy street or highway and a police car or motorcycle is behind you with flashing lights - DO NOT ENDANGER THE LEO BY STOPPING IN A DANGEROUS LOCATION. Trust me on this. You can slow down so the officer knows you're cooperating and at night you'll need a light for this but give the officer a hand signal that tells the officer you are going to (i) get off the highway or (ii) pull off somewhere safe - they'll just follow you until you get there. When they get that kind of respect they will give that kind of respect. Again, I used to teach it, and I have it done it many times - remember, I did say I've been pulled over a time or three.

 

[Krogen]

Good advice, ISCS Yoda. Just try to make the officer's job easier. Show that you respect the risk they face with unknown people and things will go better. Doesn't hurt to say "thanks for doing what you do" as you part ways. Maybe you still got a ticket, but it will leave the officer thinking there are decent people in the world.

I've been pulled over a number of times with a gun in the vehicle. I did just as you described and it went well. No questions about weapons and no volunteered information. And, best of all, no tickets.

 

[vipermd]

The new information in the Minnesota Driver’s Manual advises motorists with firearms to:
•Keep their hands on the steering wheel as the officer approaches.
•Let the officer know they have a firearm.
Drivers should not:
•Reach around inside the vehicle.
•Get out of the vehicle unexpectedly or approach the officer.

Glad they wrote it down, it's what I have done for the last 43 years, never had a problem. Be Safe,

 

[Shark Bait]

Informing an officer that you have a firearm does not constitute a threat. It depends on how you say it, of course. If you choose not to mention it that is fine, but if your weapon is stored in a location that you need to access to get your paperwork be sure to tell them before you do it. Do not surprise them with a sudden and unexpected view of a firearm.

 

[Old_Cop]

People love to object:

Why did you pull me over?!?!?
I didn't do anything wrong!!!
I pay your salary!!!
Are you making your quota?!?!?

And then they wonder why law enforcement officers don't treat them well.


You forgot one:
Do you know who I am?

I used to call my partner over and ask him if he recognized the driver because he didn't know who he was.

 

[steelslaver]

"Do you know who I am?"

Hand me your drivers license and I will figure it out.

Mostly I just try to be pleasant about it. I hand them my permit along with my licenses. No requirement to inform here. Lots of people have guns in their outfits here. I keep my wallet in my left front pocket, gun on right side.

Have yet to be asked to produce the gun, and have only got a warning for a long time. Mostly speeding a bit and once for no rear plate as I left it on my slide in camper when I unloaded it.

 

[SMSgt]

Unless I'm legally required to do so or specifically asked I don't inform the cops that I'm armed.

Full disclosure: I haven't been pulled over since 2008(ish)

Great. Now speed up or get out of the left-hand lane.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Well I am of the school that if they pulled me over they have a reason and at some point they will tell me. I roll down my window and await instructions, keeping my hands on the steering wheel. What generally happens is that I either take my lick or am able to talk my way out og it. In Louisiana you have to tell them you are a CCP and if armed you have to disclose. Never will forget the look on the youngsters face in Texas one time when asked in I had and illegal substances or firearms in the car, I responded "No dope but plenty firearms." Full disclosure-I was lost at night , missed my turn and made a six lane sweeping u turn across an empty thoroughfare not noticing the police dar in an adjacent parking lot. I was screwed, knew it and figured hell, just make it pleasant. Kid was nice and professional professional checked me out handed my guns back and pointed me to the interstate. They got a hard enough job to do without dealing with some entitled old white a-h demanding why he was stopped.

 

[K Frame Keith]

I think it's a good thing that they published there guidelines in an official forum. The government is acknowledging the right to vehicular carry and eliminating grey areas and misunderstandings. The more our second amendment rights are discussed in official publications the better. Seems like a no brainer.