Texas LTC Traffic Stop Guide: What to Say to Police When Carrying

Troy Schneider Jun 11, 2025

Texas LTC Traffic Stop Guide — What to Say When Carrying

Stay calm, clear, and informed every time you’re pulled over with a firearm.

1. Understand Your Duty to Inform ⚖️

If you hold a Texas License to Carry (LTC): Texas Gov’t Code § 411.205 requires you to present both your driver’s license and LTC when asked during a traffic stop if carrying a handgun usconcealedcarry.com texags.com+15carry-texas.com+15reddit.com+15.
If you’re relying on permitless carry: No legal obligation to volunteer your status, but honesty—when asked—builds trust and prevents misunderstandings .

2. Initial Traffic Stop Protocol

Signal and pull over to a safe, well-lit spot.
Turn off your engine and roll down the window.
Keep your hands visible—ideally on the steering wheel. Interior lights on at night can help.
Stay still and wait for the officer to approach.

3. How to Disclose (If You're Licensed)

When it’s time to show your ID, add firearm disclosure calmly:

“Officer, I have a Handgun License and I am carrying. My license and permit are in my wallet.”

Then follow the officer’s instructions. If they ask where the firearm is or to secure it, comply swiftly and deliberately.

4. Best Practices If Not Licensed

You don’t need to say anything about a gun—if asked, answer truthfully.
Still, follow the standard stop protocol above. Being respectful, cooperative, and calm reduces tension texags.com+8usconcealedcarry.com+8carry-texas.com+8 carry-texas.com+6texascriminaljustice.com+6carry-texas.com+6 nealdavislaw.com+1reddit.com+1 carry-texas.com.

5. During the Stop

Keep your hands visible and don’t reach suddenly.
Do not argue—sign any citation and handle disagreements later.
If asked to step out, do so slowly and state your actions:

“Officer, I’m reaching for my registration as you instructed.”

6. If They Want to See the Gun

Clearly ask:

“Officer, how would you like me to proceed? My firearm is located …”

Then follow their directions calmly—this avoids surprises and shows cooperation usconcealedcarry.com+1carry-texas.com+1 fortbendlibraries.gov.

7. What You Must Answer

By law, you must provide:

Your name, driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.
If you're an LTC holder and carrying, your LTC too if requested guides.sll.texas.gov+15carry-texas.com+15carry-texas.com+15 nealdavislaw.com+1fortbendlibraries.gov+1.

You’re not required to answer questions about your destination, speed, or activities, but always stay respectful and polite carry-texas.com+2nealdavislaw.com+2usconcealedcarry.com+2.

8. If You’re Arrested or Detained

If asked to identify yourself, comply.
If detained or arrested, firmly request an attorney and stop answering questions until you speak with a lawyer.

9. Why This Matters

Pulled-weapon decisions happen in seconds. Clear communication builds trust and helps de-escalate tension fortbendlibraries.gov.
Follow this protocol—and you’ll significantly improve your chances of a safe, uneventful interaction.

✅ Quick-Tip Cheat Sheet

Brake, Signal, Pull Over Safely
Engine Off, Window Down, Hands Visible
When Asked for ID:

 “Here’s my DL and LTC. I’m carrying a handgun.”
Revel in composure. Stay safe.

Bottom Line:
If you have an LTC, disclose when requested. If not, answer only what’s required—and always stay calm, respectful, and deliberate.

Stay Armed. Stay Safe.