More than 13 million Americans carry concealed every day. That means a lot of routine traffic stops now involve two armed people—you, the law-abiding concealed carrier, and the police officer walking up to your window.
In this video, Paul Glasco, host of the YouTube channel Legally Armed America (and a longtime friend of AmmoLand News), walks through what really happens when a concealed carrier gets pulled over. His conversation with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office focuses on Louisiana law, but the core principles apply everywhere: stay calm, stay respectful, and avoid surprising the officer.
Let us review their points and keep things simple and practical—exactly what responsible gun owners expect.
Start With the Basics: Don’t Create Suspicion
Most traffic stops are routine: a rolled stop sign, a missed signal, a seatbelt you forgot to click.
The last thing you want is for normal behavior to look suspicious while you’re armed.
DO:
- Pull over safely
- Keep your hands visible, place them on the steering wheel, or rest them out the window.
- Wait for instructions
DON’T:
- Dig through your console
- Reach into pockets
- Twist around the cabin
Paul and the deputies make it clear: movement is what raises red flags.
How to Tell the Officer You’re Carrying
Louisiana law requires permit holders to notify law enforcement during official encounters. Many states have similar rules.
The video shows a smooth, textbook example:
Driver: “I’m also a concealed carry holder.”
Officer: “Is it on your person?”
Driver: “Yes. On my right side.”
No drama. No hand movements. Just clear communication.
Let the officer guide the interaction from there.
Why Officers React Differently in Different Stops
As Paul points out, officers deal with everything—from minor traffic violations to felony investigations. When they see:
- excessive movement
- nervous behavior
- hands disappearing
- or unusual reactions
…they naturally increase caution.
Your job is to reduce unknowns, not add to them.
If an Officer Temporarily Disarms You
Under Louisiana statute—and many similar laws—officers may temporarily secure your firearm during an investigation.
This typically means:
- They remove the firearm
- Check the serial number [See our article about “Turning ‘Securing’ Your Firearm Into an Unlawful Search” ]
- Return it once everything clears
It’s procedure, not punishment. Paul emphasizes that no one gains anything by turning a simple stop into a tense moment.
What NOT to Do: The Combative Example
The video also features a “what not to do” stop—arguing, denying the obvious, challenging the legitimacy of the stop, and acting offended.
Mix combative behavior + a firearm, and the officer has to respond differently.
As Paul says in the video, nothing good comes from “two armed men arguing on the street.” He’s right.
Bottom Line: Be the Adult in the Room
Whether you’re a permit holder, a family protector, or just a responsible American exercising a right, your mission is the same as law enforcement’s: go home safely.
So when you’re pulled over:
- Keep your hands visible
- Inform when required
- Follow reasonable instructions
- Don’t escalate
Even when both sides are armed, a traffic stop can stay peaceful and uneventful.
Live Inventory Price Checker
|
|
CrossBreed Holsters SuperTuck Sig Sauer P320 IWB Holster Right Cowhide Leather/Kydex, Black | Palmetto State Armory | $ 97.99 $ 87.99 |
|
|
Crossbreed Reckoning Holster for Hellcat w/ E Series, IWB/OWB, Right-Handed | Viridian Weapon Technologies | $ 79.00 |
|
|
|
CrossBreed Holsters SuperTuck Sig Sauer P228 M11-A1 IWB Holster Right Cowhide Leather/Kydex, Black | Palmetto State Armory | $ 97.99 $ 87.99 |
|
|
Crossbreed Reckoning Holster for Hellcat w/ E Series, IWB/OWB, Left-Handed | Viridian Weapon Technologies | $ 79.00 |
|
BONUS: Legal-Focused Tips for Concealed Carriers During Traffic Stops
Here are practical legal considerations every concealed carrier should keep in mind—especially in duty-to-inform states.
1. Know Your State’s Notification Law
States fall into three categories:
- Mandatory notification: You must inform the officer you’re armed
- Notify only when asked
- No legal requirement to notify
Check your laws now—not during the stop.
2. Keep Your Permit and Documents Accessible
Store your permit, registration, and insurance where you can reach them without going near your firearm.
3. Never Reach for the Gun Unless Directly Told
Even if your state allows it, don’t move toward the firearm unless the officer gives explicit instructions.
4. You Don’t Have to Consent to a Search
Being polite doesn’t require surrendering your rights. A simple:
“I don’t consent to searches.”
…is legal and appropriate.
5. Keep Your Answers Simple
You are not required to explain:
- why you carry,
- what you’re carrying,
- your ammo preference,
- or your training background.
Stick to what the law requires.
6. Document Anything Unusual Afterward
If something felt off—an improper confiscation, excessive detention, or questionable command—write it down once you’re safe. It’s useful if you ever consult an attorney.
7. Assume Everything Is Recorded
Your words, tone, and behavior matter. Calm communication protects you both legally and practically, making you appear reasonable if you end up in court. Meanwhile, always stay legally and heavily armed.
We are in dangerous times! We are SO CLOSE to our final funding goals! With your help we can make it!
Traffic Stop Trip Wires that Legal Gun Owners Should All Watch Out For ~ VIDEO
not a lawyer but,
i don’t believe police are not allowed to run the serial number of your firearm just because you have one on your person. that would constitute a search and they cannot do that unless they have probable cause/reasonable suspicion (of a crime).
a traffic violation is not a crime.
When I was swatted, one officer took my carry weapon and ran the serial number. Later, he told me my weapon was stolen. Then I figured out he called it in wrong. I had a 1991 Colt compact that he had called a 1911. The same officer asked why it had a coned barrel and did that Crimson Trace laser help ? When police officers don’t know the laws and also have a limited knowledge of weapons , complications and misjudgements can rapidly follow. I don’t hate the police but like Mickey Rourkes’ character in ” Barfly ” I just… Read more »
The thing to remember is cops can and do lie to get what they want. The best policy is to say as little as possible and never volunteer information. If you give permission for them to do something it is not going to help you. Be respectful, don’t argue and don’t admit to doing anything wrong.
I have been pulled over 3 times while (always) carrying. in each case I open with “morning officer, before you start I have a ccw and there are firearms in the car”. After that the officers could not have been nicer and in one case the officer wrote a lesser ticket than I had probably earned and the other two gave me warnings. So much of what you see about “standing up for your rights” seems to be premised on starting out with attitude or being down right rude. Being honest and polite is always the way to go………particularly down… Read more »
If the police officer runs your serial number to check for a stolen weapon, is it recorded? Is it another entry in a database that identifies you as owning that weapon?
Last time I got pulled over I was carrying concealed and the cop never even asked if was armed , he just asked for my driver’s license and proof of insurance and then told me my license plate was dirty and to be clean it off and have a nice day .
In PA you are not obligated to inform an officer that you are a CCW holder or that you have a firearm with you unless they specifically ask to see your permit. However, the fact that you are a CCW holder is attached to your DL and if they run it your permit status shows up. I was stopped by an officer while I was waiting to turn in to the customer I was delivering to in my tractor trailer because he thought I was waiting too long (not my fault) to turn in and was (in his words) obstructing… Read more »
Since having a discussion with an LEO about the legality of running my pistol’s serial number, I thought about the “tape over serial number”, then I decided I would buy a kydex holster (I prefer leather) and drill a hole thru it to enable locking the pistol into the holster. Now if I have to hand it over for “ossifer safety”, I’ll just have it locked in before he gets to the truck and hand over the holster with the gun locked in it with the serial number hidden by the holster. He’s got control of it for his “safety”.… Read more »
This is a great video and thanks to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Office.
BTW, small piece of tape over the S/N makes it no longer in plain sight.
“LOADED” on a sticker works too. If they remove it it is an illegal search.
always gotta do everything to appease the emotions of system pigs
cops are overwhelmingly bad people
never answer their questions, they are paid liars and petty tyrants