West Virginia Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Under West Virginia law, is it required to inform a police officer you're carrying a concealed firearm during a traffic stop?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if the officer asks

4. Only if carrying under a permit

The correct answer is: Yes

The requirement to inform a police officer about carrying a concealed firearm during a traffic stop in West Virginia is not mandated by law. While it is always a good practice to be respectful and inform law enforcement officers when you are armed—especially during a traffic stop—West Virginia does not legally obligate individuals to disclose this information unless specifically asked by the officer. In scenarios where the officer may not expressly inquire about a concealed firearm, it is still wise to communicate clearly and openly to promote safety and cooperation. This approach can help mitigate misunderstandings. Therefore, the correct position is that there is no legal obligation to inform an officer of concealed carry status during a traffic stop, which means the answer indicating that notification is required is not aligned with the current firearm laws in West Virginia.