Do I Have to Tell An Officer If I Am Carrying a Firearm in Washington State?

[@jonhidey2818]

I remove my carry firearm and store it in the glove box when driving. I was pulled over by State Patrol for exceeding the speed limit. When the trooper asked for my documents I handed over my license and cpl. Before opening my glove boxed I told the officer that before opening it I wanted to let you know that my firearm was in there. The officer responded by thanking me for letting him know and instructed me to go ahead and open the glove box. I gave him my info and he went to his car. Upon returning he said he wasn’t positive if he clocked me or the car beside me and let me go with a warning. He followed up by saying that he really appreciated me informing him about the firearm before opening the glove box. I honestly think that diffusing what could have been a tense moment is the reason I didn’t get a ticket.

[@gunclassutah]

No duty to inform, unless they ask.

[@johncitizen3927]

Nope, unless they ask.

[@np4057]

My opinion is that what we have a right to do is also the right thing to do. Never over inform law enforcement for your own good, the 5th is there for your protection.

[@CoreySchott]

I was stopped by WSP. I as you have both my drivers license and CPL together. When I handed them to the trooper he abruptly said what is this I did not ask for this?? And then he handed back with body language that indicated to be I had offended him.

[@jimhundrup3829]

Thanks. I’ve been meaning to ask this question for awhile.

[@stuartlunsford7556]

The WA troopers up North I've interacted with have always been cool and have never ticketed me. They've never even asked me a question other than my legal requirements or legitimate small talk. We need more police offices operating like that.

[@NoThankYouReally]

New Jersey also mandates that you immediately inform law enforcement you’re armed on contact.

[@jesspeters1611]

Several people have been killed by nervous officers when they answer yes.

[@jesstreloar7706]

Out of Texas - Officer pulled over a pickup truck. Picked up the driver's license, insurance card and registration. As he turned back to the squad car the driver volunteered that he had a pistol. The officer said "You don't shoot at me and I won't shoot you". Awesome! Yes it was, 'at' and 'you' exactly.

[@jimjackson2487]

They have attached your CPL and vehicle license they know you have a CPL when they run your plate.

[@Shinka666]

I'm in Texas and there is a "duty to inform" however this is where it gets sketchy as Texas is a constitutional carry state which means a license is not required to carry a firearm. So if you are licensed you are required to inform an officer however if you are not licensed then there is no duty to inform (dont blame me I didnt write the law but thats what it says). If I get pulled over I just keep my hands on the wheel and before reaching for anything I will say "sir/ma'am before I reach for anything I want to inform you I do have my pistol holstered at my 3 o'clock". They've always been appreciative and just said something like alright thanks I just need your license and insurance. Just simply letting them know has actually gotten me out of a couple tickets down to just warnings. Hell I had one night a deputy sheriff stopped me for failure to signal and he appreciated me telling him then after we had the intro and such out of the way asked me what I carry and what range I go to, I told him I was actually going to the range now. He was confused and said that its night time so what range is possibly open, so I told him theres a 24/7 keycard access range right down the street that I'd be happy to show him. He gave me a warning and asked if he could follow me to check out the range, I said sure and we went to the range together. TL:DR Like all your videos but as of Sept 2021 Texas is not a duty to inform state unless you possess a license to carry. It's just a respectful thing to do.

[@abstractapproach634]

Are we still under the magazine ban? When is that being heard?

[@Pnwroadrebles]

Yes we are

[@2birddogsandawolfdog945]

WA has some of the most arrogant hot headed, authority issue, douschey highway patrol in the country. And way too many on the road. Other states, you're lucky if you see 1 in a decade. WA every time you drive.

[@navigator1372]

Where in Washington u live? I've had mostly good experiences in wa. 1 bad, 1 fishing expedition I nipped at the bud fast.most wa cops are cool from my experience I'm in Seattle, Everett.

[@lukemiller1385]

I do the exact same thing. I always keep my legally required documents in my glove box and my firearm in a safe that I have built into my center console. I thought I was just being clever by doing this but I'm glad to know that other people have been smart enough to do the same thing.

[@GaveMeGrace1]

Thank you

[@stevecampbell668]

That section between Cashmere and Wenatchee is a continual speed trap.

[@davidorcutt9246]

Awesome. Good video. Thank you

[@davidnewton6441]

Well said!

[@jasonpierce1980]

Every one of those States you named off is violating your right to remain silent. Those laws violate constitutional law. Which makes it non-void.

[@joecostello8452]

Thanks for the info

[@vadimgor1061]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🏻

[@warnermeek2032]

If you are law abiding citizens you do what’s right.

[@jesstreloar7706]

I have a right to remain silent and have my lawyer present for any questioning. Enough said.

[@hellyaistunt]

I was pulled over in Renton in 1999 I was 21 and had been pulled over for seatbelt. I informed the officer I had a firearm in the trunk, he called back up, over 15 cars responded. I no longer offer that information unless asked.

[@On2wls]

The cop obviously thought the gun was laying next to the body. That's the way they think.

[@DJ-cp8hz]

@@patrickglaser1560 I doubt that, I have a LONG juvenile felony history and one adult felony I was charged for as an adult for assault when i was 17, I spent 53 months in Monroe maximum security prison, now 22 years later I have my rights restored and a WA state CPL, I now CCW every moment, I get pulled over a few times a year and I assure you there has never been a riled up cop whos just read a flashing red screen . . .

[@navigator1372]

Exactly. Hence my comment. Anytime a firearm is mentioned they escalate. That's another why open carry is a bad idea. Papers please

[@navigator1372]

If asked I eould say I don't answer those kinds of questions. Fuk them. They stand against the constitution

[@Allazander]

@@navigator1372 Try moving to a non communist state. I've been pulled over in several states and never once have I encountered an officer that did not appreciate being informed that I was legally armed, never once has one called for backup or asked if they could search, only one has asked that I disarm and even he only asked that I lock the gun in my glove box until the stop was over and didn't insist or argue when I said no. I know for a fact that letting them know I was armed has brought officers a sense of relief and gotten me a warning instead of a ticket. I used to open carry a lot when riding my motorcycle and never have I encountered an issue because of it.

[@L.V.exoticpets]

I'm from wenatchee thats cool u swung through my area

[@procaster100]

I assume this applies to a Game Warden and coast guard?

[@prime-rib]

It would be nice if Washington had a law that stated "it is a gross misdemeanor for a public servant to lie to the public."

[@theelwhastrummer7166]

Agreed

[@elchicano187]

I saw a video online in Yakima of a police gang unit officer telling a person don’t move or I will shoot you with your own gun! The guy said “and why is that? The cop said “because you have a gun!” The gentleman said “ you didn’t ask” would you consider that a death threat? And a crime?

[@seanmanwill2002]

Absolutely

[@youtubesnamingpolicysucks]

That should be a felony, not a misdemeanor. Any official, elected or appointed, that lies about, misconstrues or violates the law to effect an arrest/charge/conviction should be charged with violating their oath of office and violation of the public trust. They should IMMEDIATELY be stripped of all authority/titles and be prohibited from holding any office/position anywhere in the state for life. They should also be prohibited from any recourse of appeal or pardon so they have to live the consequences of their actions for the rest of their life.

[@theelwhastrummer7166]

@@youtubesnamingpolicysucks I was kinda restating it, in kind..but you're right. It should be a higher crime if the people we trust to power basically betray that trust.

[@Robnord1]

I hand over CPL with my license also. Every time, their reply has been "you don't pull yours, I won't pull mine" or similar words. Perfect.

[@jeannierhodes5182]

I agree, but now I know I didn't violate when I forgot to tell I was not armed.

[@randomidiot8142]

After trying to be the good guy and having two hours wasted in a cruiser, and after being asked about potentially hazardous things in my pockets and being searched before I could respond, I don't feel like saying anything more than absolutely necessary or volunteering anything or even talking to them for any reason. Period. Especially after the last two years. They're not on the public's side.

[@shuff1111]

Thank you for speaking truth!!!!! The last 2 years have finally answered the question: "will police and military follow unconstitutional orders if they were told to"? We now know!!!

[@snek9353]

I find that there's two contradicting truths here. Yes the entire LE profession is a cluster fuck right now. However more than ever the average officer appreciates the lawful armed citizen. 20 years ago carrying in WA and dealing with LE was a very dangerous crap shoot, most over reacted. Today the most common reply is "good" and that is all.

[@shuff1111]

@@snek9353 the problem is, the good cops refuse to take a stand....they either get fired or just quit.....that leaves a vacuum that is filled with jack boot thug order takers.

[@snek9353]

@@shuff1111 I don't in general disagree, refuse isn't the right word though, prevented would be more accurate. However that's neither here nor there on this topic. These days even most brutish thug officers appreciate lawfully armed citizens. The outliers are the more and more common SJW cops, almost always female, scared, and angry. The most dangerous cop you're likely to come across is the lone female.

[@bestgrandma2844]

@@snek9353 There is no such thing as an "average officer". At least not one that follows the law and protects our rights.

[@Guns.and.Mooneyes]

Thanks Kirk.

[@youngsquidling2545]

Your videos are much appreciated, no frills, just facts. Thank you.

[@elchicano187]

I’m gonna say it again THIS CHANNEL IS A BLESSING!

[@brs690]

Last time I was pulled over in Washington I was driving a company truck. "Do you know why I pulled you over" "before we get onto that I just want you to know I have a revolver on my hip" "please step out of the vehicle" "I need to unbuckle my seatbelt which is right next to my pistol" "go ahead" I unbuckled the seatbelt and stepped out amd let the wsp officer take my gun. He set it in his car and when he arrested me for a suspected DUI (I wasn't drunk, just smelled like beer). I gave him all 3 forms of id I had including my drivers license, tsa clearance card and military id. The rest of the time he kept saying "thank you for not fighting" over and over again and I had no reason to fight him and I thought it was weird. He thought I was a drunk combat veteran and that scared the shit out of him. He was polite and professional and I didn't put up any resistance and we had a polite conversation on the way to the station while they bought my son dinner. Wsp was very nice and polite but they didn't do their due diligence in the case and I ended up having to plead to a DUI i didn't do because the prosecutor charge stacked me because she knew I was innocent and wanted a win anyways.

[@onefodderunit]

If you get pulled over at night, turn on the dome light so they won't be so inclined to blind you with a powerful flashlight.

[@bestgrandma2844]

EXCELLENT IDEA!!!

[@0861USMC]

And don't stick your hands out the window.

[@JD-gn6du]

The officer(s) shining the spotlight on your car at night will happen regardless as it's a tactic to conceal their movement while approaching your vehicle.

[@0861USMC]

@@JD-gn6du Correct, We were trained that way in the academy in San Diego.

[@5five6rudy]

That’s what my dad always taught me when he would get pulled over

[@shanet7986]

Good video!

[@fckjoebdn1776]

Why should we inform a public servant we are exercising a constitutional right they swore to defend.

[@FuckPedophileBiden]

Some people want to die but are too chicken shit to do it themselves.

[@rogerray2545]

He said Duty

[@40grit1]

About the only good thing he said. Where' is Alfred Hitchcock when you need a good BM joke.

[@stevek343]

Toilet 🚽

[@HalJikaKick]

He said NO.

[@NvTwist]

Best response… I don’t answer questions.

[@michaelames6317]

Well done Mr. Kirk! Thank you for making this video!

[@raidadave7840]

Thank you for the service you are providing all of us.

[@mdbryan9525]

I asked a friend of mine who was leo this question. He said that it would depend upon how green the officer looked. Seasoned leo, no problem. Super green leo, maybe not.

[@bargeman100]

You have the right to remain silent. Don't talk to cops.

[@Ahfurhsb4818]

Do I need to inform if holding unloaded firearm in vehicle if asked?

[@daleboe8912]

I’m afraid that Inslee’s little brother gets elected it’s going to be living hell with law abiding gun owners. It won’t do anything to the law breakers they will carry anyway.

[@PoliceMisconduct-wf2kk]

We have all our identifications, including our CPL laminated on one sheet. We give this ID to the officer. We either get a warning or ticket. We REFUSE to answer Cop's questions of an investigative nature, like "Where are you going, where have you been, etc. If cops are asking you questions, consider yourself under investigation for a crime.

[@curtisogden3965]

A Lakewood cop told me that they can see not just your CPL when they run your plates, but there's also a little known back page where they can see every handgun that's ever been transferred to you in WA.

[@-R.E.D.A.C.T.E.D-]

Are you sure about that? I know they can see your CPL but seeing handgun transfers is an illegal registry and can easily get the state sued.

[@curtisogden3965]

@@-R.E.D.A.C.T.E.D- Handguns transfered in WA state are in a registry. I've never heard of that being illegal.

[@-R.E.D.A.C.T.E.D-]

@@curtisogden3965 All gun registries are illegal federally, as stated by the Supreme Court.

[@curtisogden3965]

@@-R.E.D.A.C.T.E.D- Outside of the NFA the federal government has no legal right to maintain a registry however firearm registry at the state level had been viewed as a states rights issue. In WA it's only for transfers of handguns and "semiautomatic assault rifles" but there is in fact a registry.

[@youteasemiplzem9053]

@@-R.E.D.A.C.T.E.D- the atf has a data bas of ffls that have shut down The government don't give a fck about are rights

[@FredNeck-z4u]

Between Wenatchee and Cashmere is a great place to get pulled over.

[@Gottaculat]

Some states: "Tell the cop you have a gun." You in that state: "I have a gun." Also those states: "ARE YOU THREATENING ME?! OUT OF THE CAR AND ON THE GROUND! DO IT NOW!"

[@charlie6917]

It's 6:20 in the evening, if I get pulled over, and my weapon comes up to them, and I do not have it in my car because I left it home, do they have a right to search my car, with a search warrant because they think I'm being dishonest and not disclosing that information

[@JohnPonthecuff]

In my state the it's the same. My Concealed carry license is cross referenced with my driver's license.

[@DB.KOOPER]

In WA State (and Oregon) LEO's, outside of some Sheriffs, are NOT on your side... Don't offer any information, ever.

[@fergusferguson4782]

Your drivers license will immediately get a new and totally different number code once you have a CPL.

[@rossfelton1955]

Thanks

[@centerspike6463]

I'm not obligated to tell law enforcement anything that may violate by constitutionally protected rights.

[@nemoexnuqual3643]

GREATEST DATE/CPP STORY: When my wife and I were dating one night we had picked up some takeout for dinner and drove around looking for a romantic place to park and picnic, full moon, under the stars, light music from the car stereo, etc. We found a big gravel parking lot near a public boat launch on a lake, oh what luck they even had a picnic table. Well the mosquitoes were out in force so we took our food back into the car and were having a great time talking and enjoying some Chinese food. Suddenly there were lights everywhere and no less than four police cars had us boxed in and officers with pistols drawn were ordering us out of the car. Having been an MP I recognized that we were for some reason the subject of a felony stop. As they had us walking backwards towards them and the officer approached I said “officer I should tell you I am a lived concealed pistol holder and my pistol is on me.” He asked me where it was then had me slowly with my left hand retrieve my wallet and give him may CPP and DL. Almost immediately the situation relaxed. Then after they got an all clear on my license the cops shined some lights in the windows of my car, didn’t see anything, they called it good. The officers very respectfully explained that this gravel lot had been a hotspot for drug use and distribution. They then apologized to me and my future wife, and asked that we please find somewhere else that wasn’t the location of a drug stakeout to have our supper. I wished him good and safe hunting, the officer shook my hand, and were on our way with a good story of a date that went from sappy to epic in moments. By the way, future wife was extremely impressed by my cool head and poise in what she found to be a terrifying situation. It was a very good night. The CPP relaxing the officer makes good sense. A valid CPP means that you had a background check, work to obey the law, and are likely a lower risk to the officer. Also I’ve never seen a drug dealer in a polo shirt, and fresh from the Army high and tight hair cut and boots, quietly listening to romantic classical music eating Chinese food with a girl in a conservative length 1950’s style flower pattern sun dress and sensible but fashionable slip on flats, so our appearance may have helped too. Moral of the story: A CPP, clean appearance, and clean car can go a long way towards keeping officers calm.

[@JackTheGiantKiller77]

When an law enforcement officer starts escalating a situation to the point of the officer becoming a deadly threat, didn't the Supreme Court ruled that a citizen has a lawful duty to protect oneself from deadly force.

[@40grit1]

Immediately upon contact envoke. Is a firearm a generalization or an ATF classification. Pistol, rifle, shotgun, AOW and firearm. 🤔 Firearm; powder actuated nail gun.🤯

[@needXC90]

weak answer. It's NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS.

[@Mr90210.]

Awesome video and thank you. One question I can’t seem to find an answer to is. If you are engaged by a fish and wildlife officer for “inspection” should you notify them? This video probably answers my question, but want to be sure. Thanks again.

[@Anon69420anon]

I put my registration and proof of insurance up in the sunvisor so I don’t have to reach around

[@rayvarnson8976]

NO you don't need to inform unless asked

[@CS-xo4kh]

I have been pulled over by a state trooper and handed him my drivers license and cpl permit together. And his rude response was “What is this? I did not ask for this and he give it abruptly back to me”. I thought I was being respectful. Evidently not! I do not know that I will present myself in this manner again.

[@brs690]

Did you try Clark county sheriff's department? Gary Lucas would have been down and I miss him as sheriff.

[@deathmagic1208]

Wenatchee shoutout! 😂

[@Tigger1981]

I know this video is a year old yet I'm curious if there have been any changes to this. Thank you Mr Kirk

[@sparhawk5515]

I showed this video to my family. We're all Concealed Carry. Thank you for the information

[@bestgrandma2844]

Whats better about concealed carry vs open carry? I'm a new gun owner and an old white lady. I want certain ppl t know that I can't be messed with. My son recently died and I have to get his belongings and am selling some of his belongings and I do not know this ppl at all. They are mostly 20 something males, my son had a cash business. I know my son was robbed a couple times, and honestly, since his death I don't feel like i have much to lose but I DO KNOW I'm not gonna be strong armed by a punk. Please.... I'm ;looking for your honest opinion.

[@bestgrandma2844]

I think my question was just answered. Si if I am driving, even with the gun in a holster on my hip, it's still considered concealed? I have to have a concealed license NO MATTER WHAT?

[@sparhawk5515]

First I think you need someone to provide you training if you have not done so already. Defending your self with a pistol is not easy and it takes some practice. What city do you live near? There’s several training areas in our state. I do not recommend open carry. For several reasons. The main one is that if someone reports you and says they felt intimidated by you in some way because of your firearm you might loose your license. It’s just not good to advertise that you have one on you

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

I was stopped for jaywalking in Portland OR in 2001. The officer approached me, and asked if I had any weapons on me, and I told him "yes, I have a knife in my pocket". He immediately took 3 steps back, pulled his gun, and ordered me to get on my knees. Long story short, the interaction ended about 10 minutes later, and I left with a ticket for jaywalking. But, should I have had a gun pointed at me for jaywalking? And, considering how nervous, twitchy, and just generally on edge so many officers are these days, this interaction could have very easily ended badly for me. I can't even imagine telling the wrong police officer I have a gun.

[@Sduell60]

I don't like kissing asphalt - i always tell the cop first thing is "I have a gun on me. What would you like me to do?" I've always been treated politely afterwards.

[@Watchingyou-daily]

Concealed pistol licenses are issued by your local law-enforcement as mine is

[@sluggou812beotch]

I have a very large knife that I keep in my glovebox for roadkill, I wonder what they'd think of that?

[@gaybear5328]

Cops Don’t need to know. Be nice, don’t answer questions, get your ticket, hire a traffic attorney. DONE

[@devilleissaliar7454]

Don't ask don't tell, if they ask if you're carrying a firearm tell them you are sorry but you won't be answering anymore questions without your attorney present

[@Misfit-from-Zanti]

Having a taillight out should not warrant an interrogation about firearms.

[@timsmith1589]

Thank you for the video, I agree that letting them know is the better plan.

[@amyphillips3691]

Yes you do in NC. If. You. Have. A. Concieled carry. !

[@Eric-gi9kg]

Interesting.. Though I already knew the answer. I was pulled over by a trooper (N.E. of Spokane), and I asked him specifically this question. He stated Not to say that you have a weapon. And Yes, I did in fact have a permit. And No, he did NOT Ask me whether I had a weapon. He did though mention Why...because a lot of the younger generation troopers are coming from big cities like Seattle or even California, and tend to be a bit on edge. Personally I don't volunteer ANY information other than what I am legally bound to..(license, registration, and insurance).

[@6.8SuperDutyDriver]

Yeah, in New Yorkistan you don't have to tell them you're carrying unless the ask. I tell them right up front. LEO's around here don't want to deal with people carrying, legally or illegally. They'll usually check your permit and send you on your way without a ticket.

[@jabba0975]

Why are they asking about firearms on a traffic stop?

[@Oldspartan65]

Dont tell them nothing

[@isellcatlitter]

In my state you do.... Minnesota... if you have a CCW... if you are a criminal you do not....

[@AB-hu4fc]

They already know if you have a firearm because they can see if you have a CPL when they type in you license plate.

[@frugalprepper]

We had a duty to "Promptly" notify any law enforcement officer in Ohio. I got pulled over in KY, and I informed them, and the guy said, "You don't have to tell us in KY, and we would prefer you didn't."

[@bestgrandma2844]

LOLOLOLOL In Kentucky they assume EVERYONE has a gun at all times.

[@something2say159]

Alot of time it depends on the cop.

[@Fz-bo7sm]

Yes I had the same exact situation last year lol

[@Malibus_Most_Wanted]

@@bestgrandma2844yup how cop should already be thinking if they wanna retire so but also they have to keep in mind that not everyone is a criminal

[@mikespencer9409]

Same in New Mexico

[@JosephSorg-l3y]

Plain and simple.I have the right to refuse to answer any questions.It's called the fifth amendment

[@garfield8900]

The police always ask if you have a weapon in the car anyway so why volunteer the information?

[@bryonslatten3147]

So in some states exercising my right to remain silent is against the law.

[@Randy_51_]

To go one layer deeper…are you required to give them your firearm if requested? That happened to me one night by a WSP officer and I did so but always wondered if I should have. What if they were impersonating an officer?

[@filbertneon3813]

But, what if you don't have a CPL and my pistol is empty in the trunk and my ammo in the glove box? No record, right and no threat. So, I have the right to remain silent, correct?

[@matthewlee9728]

in ky if you have the permit they know when they run your plates and seems to make it a lot nicer interaction sure they know your armed but they figure your pretty law abiding

[@stevek343]

Answer is always NO!!!! Or I am not answering any questions.

[@L.V.exoticpets]

I shouldn't ever need the help but if I ever get in trouble man ima make u my defense attorney

[@jasonpierce1980]

Never give up your right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a quart of law. This is why I do not like concealed weapons permits don't get me wrong I supported them when I first bought a firearm. Then I realized it's a violation of your rights taxing you for your right. They already know you have a weapon when you get pulled over.

[@alanmeyers3957]

No

[@utoobuser206]

Thanks Bill...you do operate in an exalted status when in contact with law enforcement though, i cannot imagine a regular joe blo guaranteed to receive the same treatment as well. My experiences with cops is less conversation and disclosure will hasten my return to freedom

[@kidfunkyfri3308]

i was going shooting one time with a budy and got pulled over with about 15 guns in cases in a 2 door car i told him we had firearms in the car and he asked where and i said ahhh pretty much everywhere he laughed then gave us a speeding ticket

[@jeroldpickard947]

How does 1 in the chamber work ? Revolver ovious auto ? A state patrol told me would you rather be carried by 6 or judged by 12 .🎯

[@joelembcke8879]

My father is a criminal defense attorney out of Spokane. He gave me the same advice when I got my CCL.

[@karryhardman8735]

Thank you for the information. Question, I have family that lives in WA and visit there often, and I have a non-resident WA. CPL because WA will not honor my state's (Mt) CCW . If I was pulled over in WA or another state would my WA CPL be noted to LEO?

[@bargeman100]

The NRA publishes a pamphlet explaining which states reciprocate with each other. I think it's free.