While it’s never ideal to see the flashing lights of a police car behind you when you’re driving down the road, if you’re someone who has chosen to carry a concealed firearm on you, you might feel your heart skip an extra beat as you pull over. But if you are legally carrying that firearm, you should have nothing to be afraid of, just so long as you go through the traffic stop wisely.
To help you see how this can be done, here are three things to do if you get pulled over with a concealed carry firearm on you.
Know The Rules Of Informing The Officers
Depending on where you live, the rules and laws for informing any police officer that you’re dealing with of the fact that you have a concealed firearm will vary. In some states, you are required to let the officer know as soon as possible that you have a license for a concealed carry firearm and that you have that firearm on you right now. In other states, you don’t have to inform the officer. However, if you’re asked if you have a weapon on you, you may have to disclose that you have a concealed carry firearm.
So before you get into this situation, it’s good to know the laws of the area you live in and have a plan for how you’ll safely broach this topic if you ever are pulled over for a traffic stop.
Use The Term “Firearm”
If you do get asked about any weapons in your vehicle or on your person, when you respond to the officer, use the term “firearm” rather than telling them you have a gun.
When you speak with this term, you will subconsciously be letting the officer know that you have a respect for your firearm and that you don’t intend to use it during your interactions with them. “Firearm” can also just be less of a threatening word when compared to “gun”, and you’ll want to be as minimally threatening as possible during your traffic stop.
Stay Calm And Respectful
Although you might be feeling more nervous about this traffic stop because you do have a firearm on you, you’ll want to do everything in your power to stay calm and remain respectful when speaking with the officer. The more nervous you get, the more suspicious you’ll appear to the officer. So if you need to get something, make sure you inform the officer first and move in slow, deliberate movements so that your hands are always visible.
If you have a concealed carry permit and keep a firearm on you when you drive, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you know how to react and respond if you ever are to get pulled over in a traffic stop.
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