What if I get pulled over while carrying concealed?

There is no perfect answer to this question, rather the best answer is, in our opinion, to put yourself in that officer’s position and then act in as gentle a manner as possible to inform that officer that you are carrying a concealed weapon so that he can take the next steps. They are trained how to handle this and officer’s appreciate drivers who put them at ease.

Things you do NOT do:

  • Say as the officer is walking up – “I’ve got a gun!”
  • Hang your firearm out the window.
  • Touch, gesture at, or reach for the firearm in anyway between the time that officer pulls you over and the time he tells you what to do!

What you SHOULD do:

Please note, this is only a guide for you to follow proper behavior. This is not to be considered legal advice. (Meaning you can’t say “I read on the SCC website that I’m supposed to do this” if you get arrested for threatening an officer!

When you pull over to the side of the road, do the following:

  • Some people have their license handy when the officer walks up. If you do, have your concealed carry permit with it on TOP so he will see it.
  • Keep both your hands on the door frame, so the officer can see your fingers from outside the car as he walks up. Most likely he will already know what you’re about to say.
  • Do not interrupt him if he starts speaking, but regardless of what the first thing he says is, the first thing YOU say is “Officer, I have a permit to carry concealed and I am currently carrying concealed now. How would you like me to proceed?“

From that point on, the officer will take charge of the situation in the manner they see fit, but you have already done them a great service by giving them plenty of warning in a non-threatening manner and then you didn’t move a muscle until he or she told you what to do.

Sometimes the officer will direct you to use one hand to open the door while keeping the other hand on the door frame. If you have to reach for your seat belt with your right hand, say so. “Officer, I have to undo my seat belt. May I use my right hand to do so?” Chances are the officer has already noticed this and told you how he or she would like you to act. It is an act of respect for the officer. Officers, whether local, state, or federal, risk their lives every day. Coming across the occasional citizen who shows them the utmost respect for their situation reflects in their treatment of you.

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