Seeing flashing blue and red police lights in your rearview mirror is never pleasant. Even for most law-abiding citizens, a traffic stop can be stressful. It can be even more stressful if you carry a firearm for self-defense. Should you inform the officer? How do you avoid escalating the situation? What if the officer reacts negatively?

This article provides a step-by-step guide for how to handle a traffic stop with a concealed weapon… safely. It also explores the legal risks of self-defense encounters and why responsible gun owners should have self-defense legal protection with a Membership with Second Call Defense.

Duty to Inform

It’s important to understand your state legal obligations during a traffic stop as states have different laws on informing law enforcement. These laws fall into three categories: must inform, on-demand, and no duty to inform.

Must Inform

In these states, you are legally required to immediately notify the officer that you are carrying a firearm: Alaska, Arkansas, California (see note below), District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine (see note below), Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey (effective July 1, 2023), North Carolina, North Dakota (see note below), and Texas. Failing to disclose in these states could result in legal penalties.

On Demand

In most states, you only need to disclose that you are armed if the officer specifically asks. This applies to most states, including Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine (see note below), Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

No Duty

Meanwhile, no duty to inform states; include: Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont. These states do not require disclosure unless there is another legal obligation, like providing your concealed carry permit upon request.

California – both “Must Inform” and “On Demand”

Special note to our California members. According to Handgunlaw.us, which is considered an authoritative sourced used by attorneys and law enforcement for guidance, the Application for a Permit to Carry in California states: “While exercising the privileges granted to the licensee under the terms of this license, the licensee shall not, when carrying a concealed weapon refuse to show the license or surrender the concealed weapon to any peace officer upon demand.”  Handgunlaw.us reports hearing from some CCW holders in CA that some Issuing Authorities are putting a restriction on issued Permit/Licenses that the holder must inform any Police Office that contacts them in any type of official capacity. If an issuing authority puts that restriction on your permit/license then you must inform.

Maine – both “Must Inform” and “On Demand”

In Maine, residents who are 21 or older can carry a concealed handgun without a permit. This law also applies to active duty or honorably discharged members of the U.S. military who are 18 or older. Permit holders, including a nonresident who holds a permit issued by the nonresident’s state of residence, shall have the holder’s permit in the holder’s immediate possession at all times when carrying a concealed handgun and shall display the same on demand of any law enforcement officer. However, those carrying under permitless carry, must inform immediately during the course of any traffic stop, detainment, or arrest.

North Dakota – both “Must Inform” and “On Demand”

If you have Permit/License issued by North Dakota or a state they honor, you do not have an obligation to immediately inform. If you are carrying under Permitless Carry, then you must inform immediately on contact with law enforcement.

IMPORTANT. Please note that we believe these laws are accurate as of the time of publication, and readers should not rely on them solely. Laws can, and do, change without notice and Second Call Defense has no duty to keep this article current. We encourage our members to be aware of the laws of their jurisdiction(s) and of those they intend to travel to and through.

As mentioned in previous blogs, responsible gun ownership and concealed carry includes knowing and complying with federal, state, and local laws.

LEARN MORE: Guns on the Go: The Laws of Carrying Firearms In Public

Step-By-Step: How to Handle a Traffic Stop with a Concealed Weapon

Below is a step-by-step guide to handling a traffic stop by a law enforcement officer while carrying firearms. While these steps cover most scenarios, every situation may have slight variations. The most important thing to remember is remain calm, keep your hands on the wheel and obey instructions from the officer.

1. Pull Over Safely and Stay Calm. How you react when pulled over sets the tone for the entire encounter. As soon as you see flashing lights, signal your intent using your turn signal or hazard lights, then find a safe place to stop such as a well-lit parking lot or the right shoulder. Pull over off the road as far as you can to protect the officer. She will notice.
2. Remain in Your Vehicle and Keep Your Hands Visible. Once stopped, remain inside your vehicle and lower the window. If it is dark, turn on your dome light. Keep your hands visible on the steering wheel and refrain from reaching for your license, registration, and proof of insurance until directed by the officer. When retrieving documents, inform the officer beforehand.
3. Inform if necessary. If you are carrying a firearm in a duty to inform state, you must notify the officer immediately upon their approach, typically before they ask for your license or registration. Know what your duty to inform is in the area where you are stopped. Even In states with constitutional carry, where no permit is required, there may still be a duty to inform.
4. If required to inform, calmly tell the officer “I have a license to carry and I have it with me, on my right hip. That’s preferable than saying “I have a gun,” as his partner may be on the passenger side and all he hears is “gun.”
5. Do not search for your license insurance or registration. Do you know what that looks like? The officer might believe you are retrieving a pistol from your center console or glove box. Wait for the officer’s directions before reaching for documents and let them know where they are stored before retrieving them. Even if you believe the stop is unjustified, now is not the time to argue. Be polite.
6. Do not touch or attempt to touch your handgun unless specifically told to by the officer. In some states, like Ohio, it is a felony to make contact with your firearm once police contact has been initiated.
7. Do not exit your vehicle unless specifically told to by the officer. If you are asked to exit something has gone wrong.
8. Comply with all lawful orders given by the officer.

What NOT to Do During a Traffic Stop

Mistakes during a traffic stop can escalate a routine encounter into an unnecessary problem. Here’s what to avoid:

• Do not argue or become confrontational. Even if you believe the stop is unjustified, arguing will not change the outcome. Remain calm and handle any disputes later in court.
• Do not make sudden movements or reach for anything without informing the officer first. Quick movements can be perceived as a threat. If you need to retrieve something, even a cell phone or wallet, say where it is and ask before reaching.
• Do not volunteer unnecessary information. Answer questions politely but briefly. If your state doesn’t require firearm disclosure, there’s no need to bring it up unless asked.

Following these guidelines helps keep the stop safe and prevents avoidable tension.

LEARN MORE: Download Your FREE Report – Survive the Legal Aftermath

The Importance of Self Defense Legal Protection

Do you have $14.95 per month or $1,000,000 to spend for legal defense?

What you don’t know about traffic stops can land you in serious legal trouble. A routine stop can quickly escalate if you make the wrong move, and in some cases, an officer or prosecutor may not see things in your favor, especially when firearms are involved.

Even if you follow the law, a misunderstanding could lead to unnecessary legal headaches, fines, or even criminal charges. These situations aren’t just hypothetical; they’ve happened to responsible gun owners just like you. Being prepared isn’t just about carrying responsibly; it’s about protecting yourself legally, too.

Just as knowing how to handle yourself during a stop can keep you safe, self-defense legal protection can safeguard your future if an interaction leads to legal trouble. Ask yourself these questions, and if you answer “no” to any, it’s time to seriously consider legal protection:

• Do you know your state’s duty-to-inform laws?
• Do you have a skilled attorney on retainer for firearms-related legal defense?
• Can you afford to fight wrongful charges without an unlimited budget?
• Do you have $100,000 in cash for bail that you can afford to lose?
• Are you protected against civil lawsuits that could drain your savings and assets?

With Second Call Defense, you have an UNLIMITED legal defense budget at your disposal for both criminal and civil cases. Immediate up-front self-defense legal protection with nothing out of pocket, nothing to repay ever.

Even if you do have $1 million to spend on your legal defense, we encourage you to become a member and put the financial burden on us. Self-defense legal protection can go a long way to keeping you out of jail, protecting your freedom and your assets.

We have a 100% success rate defending our Members and we will never ask you to pay us back for your legal defense. Unlike other programs that make you pay upfront and reimburse you later, SCD covers your legal defense immediately, including attorney fees, bail, and even civil lawsuit damages. When the government or anti-gun prosecutors come after you for exercising your constitutional rights, SCD fights back without ever asking you to pay them back. Your freedom, future, and financial security are on the line, why take the risk?

Join Second Call Defense Today

Second Call Defense has a 100% success rate defending our Members. We ensure that you’re never alone in the aftermath of a self-defense incident and we will never ask you to pay us back for your legal defense.

 

Conclusion

A traffic stop can be a routine encounter or a legal nightmare depending on how you handle it. It is critical to know your state’s firearm disclosure laws first and foremost. Staying calm and following best practices can prevent unnecessary escalation which is the last thing you want with a police officer. Being polite, keeping your hands visible, and avoiding sudden movements can go a long way in ensuring a smooth interaction. However, even responsible gun owners can find themselves facing legal trouble due to misunderstandings or overzealous prosecutors. That’s why having self-defense legal protection, like a Membership with Second Call Defense, is essential. Carrying a firearm for protection is only part of the equation; being legally prepared is just as important.