LEO CCW Traffic Stop

BallTurret · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 10:51 AM

Help me out here...I'm a bit confused on how to react on a traffic stop while carrying? My CCW instructor explained that unless otherwise asked about any weapons possession to keep it quiet. However, last night while watching a self-defense TV program, it specifically went through the drill of being stopped while carrying. The instruction went like this: 1) hands on the wheel until asked to present driver's license 2) Present driver's license with CCW permit and then put hands back on the wheel 3) Leo will ask where the weapon is... and to get out of the vehicle with hands visible 4) Leo will ask for you to present weapon with weak hand 5) Leo will safe, inspect and keep weapon until citation is issued. 6) Leo will present weapon back to driver, have them holster it and get back in the vehicle to conclude stop.

With all of this said, which way is proper..?

**Dan M.** · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 11:06 AM

Those of us with Orange County CCWs are required to inform. The scenario you saw on TV sounded good up to the point where the officer asks you to exit the vehicle and turn your firearm over to him, weak handed or otherwise. That's not proper. BUT, you follow ALL the officer's instructions, proper or otherwise. Once the stop is over and everybody is on their way you can start thinking about calling his/her watch commander about procedures. IMO.

cwp228 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 11:50 AM

Sounds like good practice up to part #3. Just hand the DL and CCW permit to LEO and wait for instruction like Dan M said would probably be best. I got into an accident once while carrying, pass my DL and CCW permit to CHP on scene, officer looked at my permit and never bother to asking me where my weapon is. Just wrote up the report and let me go on my way.

RAD-G27 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 11:59 AM

I have a NV and UT CCW, unfortunately not a CA CCW. UT requires that you inform the LEO, NV does not. I have not been stopped yet, but if I do, I plan on handing the CDL with the CCW to the officer. I won't be saying anything, just follow instructions and answer questions. Always be as nice as possible.

BallTurret · #5 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 12:20 PM

I am expected to pick up my CCW permit at the Kern County Sheriff sub-station in Tehachapi in a few weeks. I guess it's best to ask them (then) their preference. God forbid, they would be the one's pulling me over...

The TV program (I believe) was offering a typical response by a Leo. I'm sure every incident is different. I don't plan on testing this...

**SierraNevadaCCW** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 12:29 PM

This has been hashed and re-hashed. Do a search on here....

I will say...the thing where they try to tell you to hand over your weapon with your weak hand is facinating. Now...sit down and put your common sense hat for a minute...does that make ANY sense? LOL

**AuburnHunter** · #7 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 12:40 PM

I saw the same program. Just a point of clarification on number 3. The instructor on the program said that if asked for the firearm, to tell the LEO where it is and ask him how he would like you to proceed. Never just reach for it (weak hand or not). He also said that usually they will not disarm you, with the exception of young inexperience LEO that is.

The instructor also said that typically they will not remove you from the vehicle. He said that if you are asked to step from the vehicle then you probably screwed up more than just a normal traffic violation (reckless driving, DUI, etc.).

Basically the jist was:

Hand over your CCW permit with your DL
Keep your hands visible
Don't say "I have a gun" If anything say "I am permitted to carry, and it is on me"
Answer all questions
If asked for the weapon, tell the LEO where it is and ask "How would you like to proceed"

Over all it seemed pretty sensible.

**CalCCW03** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 12:44 PM

This what I do everytime I get into my car: I take my wallet out of my pocket and put it somewhere that I can access easily without having to put my hands anywhere my gun. In the event I am pulled over I will immediately pull my DL and CCW from my wallet so that by the time the officer gets to my window I can hand it to him/her. I will keep my hands on the steering wheel at all times and follow the officer's instructions to the "T". They are just doing their job and I want to make it as easy as possible for them without adding stress to their already stressful jobs.

**BonoVox** · #9 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 12:46 PM

I would be VERY nervous if a LEO asked me to hand over my CCW with my off hand. Way more so if it was a Glock or a similar platform.

My MTAC holster has clips that I can remove one handed. I would much prefer to hand him the CCW with it still in the holster. Not sure how he/she would react to that though.

**BonoVox** · #10 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalCCW03

This what I do everytime I get into my car: I take my wallet out of my pocket and put it somewhere that I can access easily without having to put my hands anywhere my gun. In the event I am pulled over I will immediately pull my DL and CCW from my wallet so that by the time the officer gets to my window I can hand it to him/her. I will keep my hands on the steering wheel at all times and follow the officer's instructions to the "T". They are just doing their job and I want to make it as easy as possible for them without adding stress to their already stressful jobs.

As an offshoot I was also told to wait until he or she asks for the DL. Don't just hand it to them as they walk up. They find that rude.

ttsail · #11 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalCCW03

This what I do everytime I get into my car: I take my wallet out of my pocket and put it somewhere that I can access easily without having to put my hands anywhere my gun. In the event I am pulled over I will immediately pull my DL and CCW from my wallet so that by the time the officer gets to my window I can hand it to him/her. I will keep my hands on the steering wheel at all times and follow the officer's instructions to the "T". They are just doing their job and I want to make it as easy as possible for them without adding stress to their already stressful jobs.

I pretty much do the same thing. I have my registration and insurance clipped to my gate opener on the sun visor in all my vehicles.

**SierraNevadaCCW** · #12 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BonoVox

As an offshoot I was also told to wait until he or she asks for the DL. Don't just hand it to them as they walk up. They find that rude.

Normally I reach for my DL with my weakhand while staring straight out the window and chanting..."take me to my happy place".

Bombard · #13 (**permalink**) 10-25-2007, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ttsail

I pretty much do the same thing. I have my registration and insurance clipped to my gate opener on the sun visor in all my vehicles.

My dad had a duplicate DL, registration, insurance and a copy of his CCW in a paper clip in an overhead sunglass holder, so he didn't have to reach for his wallet at all and could keep his hands in plain sight.