Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Practice Exam

Which of the following actions is REQUIRED by law when interacting with law enforcement while carrying a concealed pistol with a CPL?

1. Immediately inform the officer that you are carrying a concealed pistol

2. Only disclose you are carrying if asked by the officer

3. Hand over the CPL along with your identification

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Immediately inform the officer that you are carrying a concealed pistol

The requirement to immediately inform a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a concealed pistol stems from Washington state law. When you are stopped or approached by law enforcement, it is crucial to disclose that you are a concealed pistol license holder and that you are carrying a firearm. This action promotes transparency and safety for both you and the officer during the interaction. It helps establish a clear understanding of the situation from the outset, which is important for maintaining a cooperative environment. The other options present different approaches to disclosure that do not align with the legal requirements in Washington. Simply disclosing your firearm only if asked does not fulfill the obligation to proactively inform law enforcement, which could lead to misunderstandings. Additionally, while presenting your CPL along with your identification is generally encouraged, it is not specifically mandated that this be done in conjunction with your first disclosure of the firearm. Thus, the immediate notification remains the critical action required by law.