As of July, the state of Arizona has taken measures to educate gun owners about avoiding tragic police encounters when driving while armed. The gun-friendly state, which allows open and concealed carry, has changed its driver’s manual. Revisions to the manual instruct armed drivers how to proceed if they are pulled over by law enforcement.
The change was instigated by Democratic state Rep. Reginald Bolding in response to the shooting of Minnesota man Philando Castile. Castile was a legal gun permit holder who was fatally shot during a traffic stop in 2016. Castile told the officer he was carrying a firearm and was a permit holder. The officer stated Castile was pulling out his gun, even though Castile had told him he had a gun and on the video wasn’t acting threateningly. The officer was acquitted of reckless homicide.
In the new edition of Arizona’s driver’s manual, armed motorists are advised to keep their hands on the wheel during the traffic stop.
They should immediately tell the officer there is a firearm in the car.
They are advised to not reach for anything inside the vehicle without getting permission first.
Officers may take possession of any firearms until the stop is complete and return them if no crime was committed.
Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia also require driver education courses teaching people how to react during a traffic stop. In these states, however, the education materials do not explicitly mention armed motorists.Many states or counties have a “duty to inform,” meaning in any interaction you have with a law enforcement officer, you must reveal that you are carrying. Other states and counties require you disclose only if you are asked.
Here are some steps to keep you and law enforcement safe and calm during a traffic stop:
Do you have experience handling a traffic stop while armed? Let us know how it was handled in the comments below.
