Utah CCW: Are You Required to Notify Police?
One of the more commonly asked questions about carrying a concealed weapon in the state of Utah is whether or not you are required by law to announce to a police officer you are in possession of a loaded firearm.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, there is no law that says you must do so. However, it is recommended.
“If an officer finds or sees a gun on your person during their contact with you, and you have not identified yourself as a permit holder in legal possession of a firearm, the officer may assume you are carrying the gun illegally and may take defensive action. For the safety of all involved, it is recommended to immediately identify yourself to the officer as a permit holder in possession of a handgun. This action gives the officer some assurance they are most likely dealing with a law-abiding citizen.”
When speaking with an officer of the law who comes to your window during a traffic stop and you decide to make this fact known, begin by telling the officer you have been issued a Utah State Concealed Carry license, then say you are also in possession of a loaded firearm. This may help prevent confusion, so the officer is not simply told you have a gun without the proper context.
Be aware that telling an officer about your weapon can create a sticky situation as the officer could decide it’s in the best interest of his or her safety that you are disarmed throughout the rest of the encounter and may place you in cuffs in order to disarm you with minimal risk.
Find out what states honor the Utah CCW permit by checking out our interactive reciprocity map. Read here for an article further exploring this topic of notifying law enforcement.
As a truck driver I always notify the officer – this only happens when I get inspected – out of courtesy. I have never had any problems, including in Illinois where my CCW is not recognized, but I am allowed to conceal carry in my truck. Missouri troppers have me leave my firearm in the vehicle when they wnat me to come back to their car (this is only during a road side inspection).IOne time I actually had an IL DOT inspector clear my weapon and then hand me my magazines, which was funny because what is stopping me from loading it again? LOL! Overall, there has been zero problems, as most officers allowed me to carry around them. Be respect, and have a good attitude, and you will receive the same thing in return!
I agree.
I will NEVER mention it unless the officer asks me specifically. The ONE TIME I’ve ever been asked (probably because of my “GOA” and Natl Assoc For Gun Rights stickers on my back window), I answered “Yessir, I have my CCW,”and the officer said, “OK, where do you carry it?” I answered “Appendix” — (BTW, if I ever get stopped, I roll down ALL my windows and keep both hands on the wheel), and he said “OK, great! Just don’t reach for it and we’ll be fine.”
“Yessir, no problem.”
Of course, I also move slowly and tell the cop what I’m reaching for and where, so they don’t get jumpy. Just common sense.
What part of “infringe” don’t you understand? The 2nd amendment is all the concealed carry permit that is required to carry. We have allowed the government to drastically erode the right to keep and bear arms without any infringement. Yes, we have a society saturated with criminals, but I am not one of them and I should not be infringed upon because of other bad people in our society.