Massad Ayoob - What to do if you get pulled over while carrying - Critical Mas Episode 11

See the follow up video, Don't Say "I've Got a Gun!" - Massad Ayoob examines the Philando Castile case https://youtu.be/KlkIQVu2OZY

Several years ago my wife was stopped by county sheriff. She has a permit but was not carrying. She got a lecture about her not having her gun with her.

My 23 year old son was stopped in a known speed trap town back in the early 2000's on the way out to visit me in the country. Just like Massad said... pick-up in park, engine off, dome light on, both hands on the steering wheel (with his license and CCW and registration and insurance card in the left). He explained he was carrying and that it was in the four o-clock position, and asked what the officer (mid 50's) wanted him to do. The officer replied, "Don't reach for yours... and I won't reach for mine". As the officer was looking things over, he asked what my son was carrying. He answered he had my old Colt 1911, because I had bought a new gun. The officer asked what I had bought, and my son said another Colt 1911... of course. The officer handed everything back to my son, and told him to watch his speed better (they NEVER give warnings in that town for speeding). And, as he was ready to walk away, told my son to stay safe... and stay armed!!!

This man's advice, as it relates to firearms, is pure gold.

Those who are licensed to carry are NOT the problem in this Nation.

I was stopped one night and did exactly what you said; inside light on, hands on the wheel, paperwork in my hand. I informed the officer that my pistol was in the center console. He asked me to hand it to him and I smiled and told him that I would really rather that he come around and get it because we were both nervous. He asked me to step out, which I did, he patted me down and asked me to stand behind my car, at which time he retrieved my weapon. He looked it over then placed it back in the console, informed me that I had been driving a little too fast. He ran my information,, handed my license and paperwork back to me, and told me to slow it down and have a nice evening.

This gentleman does the most comprehensive and professional instructional videos I’ve seen on the Internet anywhere at any time.

Pulled over twice in 10+ years. Both times I handed my CCW to the officer along with my license..both times turned into a great conversation about firearm choices, training and responsibility. Both times I was thanked and asked to slow down a bit.

As a new gun owner, I'm really glad that I stumbled onto Mr Ayoob's videos. I've learned a lot about so many aspects of both shooting and gun rights. I'd like to offer my own take on getting stopped by LE. As an African American, I agree with everything in this video, but I take one point regarding presenting the license/registration and Proof of Insurance a step further because a lot of folks in my demographic seem to be getting shot over "mistaken intent". When I travel, I put my registration, license, CCW permit, and Insurance card in my visor pouch. This way, I don't ever have to reach anywhere near my body or ANY closed compartments. I'm able to keep one hand on the steering wheel, and this gives the Officer a clear view of my other hand and the visor. I've been doing this long before I became a gun owner and, as Mr. Ayoob says, it's kept the tension levels low for both of us during those unexpected traffic stops. Thanks for the great videos, Massad!

This video should be a part of every carry class. for those places that have constitutional carry this should be part of drivers ed.

I was a State Trooper for 35 years. This is excellent advice and exactly what you should do. 😊

I conducted numerous traffic stops during my career as a law enforcement officer. The advice you gave was good advice. I plan on spreading this video to all my friends and relatives. Thanks a bunch.

Last time I was pulled over was at the start of the Pandemic. I was on my 13th straight day of working as a truck driver. I ran a stoplight right after a city P.D. car had driven past me. I watched him do the U-turn and just pulled over and waited for him to catch up. When he asked why I had pulled over, I told him that I had ran the stoplight and how it was my fault. He let me go with a verbal warning. I know this is a bit late to this chat but I hope someone learns from my experience. These are just people doing a job. Agruue it out in court

I’m in law enforcement. The minute someone is honest and informs me that they are carrying I immediately feel relief and know they mean no harm.

You guys in America really have something to be proud of with the 2nd. That opening lines gave me chills. Gotta visit sometime, especially the open plains. Greetings from South Africa

This Man is providing common sense to those who might be unsure about what to do. He always gives great advice, I respect what he has to say.

When I was 21 in Washington state, I was pulled over for speeding by a state trooper. My girlfriend, and I were both licensed to carry, had her 4 year old daughter in the back, and were returning from an afternoon of shooting. I was young and dumb I will not deny that. Thank god I have got some more firearms training and education in the last 15 years. I had an unloaded AR15 and Remington 870 in the back seat on the floor wrapped in a towel. An M&P .40 cal on my hip, a .380 on my ankle, a glock 27 in the glove compartment on top of the registration, and my girlfriend had a pistol in her purse. I was sweating bullets. The trooper approached and said hello and asked if I knew why he pulled me over. I responded yes I became distracted briefly and didn’t realize how fast I was going I am sorry about that. At that point I also said I feel that it’s important that I let you know we both have concealed licenses and there are firearms in the vehicle. He said that’s just fine thank you for letting me know just please give me the registration. I replied that unfortunately it is in the glove box under a Glock what would you like me to do? He paused and said, would you mind telling me how many guns you have and were they are? I politely responded in detail about all of the guns, where they are, and which ones are loaded. He said thank you very much please just slowly open the glove box, remove the glock pointed in a safe direction, and set it on the dash. Then get the registration for me. I complied and he said, ok great I will go back to my car now, you don’t touch yours and I won’t touch mine and everyone will go home happy. He wrote me a speeding ticket, but I think given the circumstances it was the best possible outcome. Nobody and no guns left the vehicle. The trooper handled things very calmly and professionally, I do credit a lot of how well this traffic stop went to my compliant, calm, forthcoming communication despite some poor choices in firearm storage and transport. I think this video hit the nail on the head. Suck up your pride and ego and treat them with respect and do what they say while moving predictably.

I've had at least 2 stops while carrying that I can recall. I informed the officers and gave them my permit along with my DL. There was never an issue and my pistol was never taken. I think in most cases they're relieved that they're dealing with someone with a squeaky clean record.

I spent my career in law enforcement, much of which was firearms instruction, ERT sniper, and expert witness testimony in firearms related court proceedings. Massad's method and process in such a situation is spot on. Follow his instruction here and you'll have nothing to worry about. Communication between you and the primary officer, as well as between him and the officer trainee (if there is one) is huge. I spent many years not only training basic firearms to recruits, I also had them as ride alongs through my dept. when I was an FTO. They're new and can be a tad jumpy during stops.

Never considered owning a gun until this year. I found your page and it is full of amazing videos that answer questions I have and questions I have not even though of, thank you sir!