6 Holster Positions That Are Getting Men Arrested During Traffic Stops
Sirens flash. The window rolls down. A routine traffic stop suddenly feels like a stress test for everyone involved. What many drivers don’t realize is that where a firearm sits on the body can instantly change how an officer reads the situation, even when the carrier believes they’re following the law.
Holster choice isn’t just about comfort or concealment; it can affect visibility, perceived access, and officer safety. And during a traffic stop, perception can move faster than explanations. Today, we will talk about six holster positions that repeatedly show up in arrest reports, misunderstandings, and very long roadside conversations.
1. Small Of The Back Carry
Small-of-the-back carry looks sleek in a mirror, but it creates problems the moment you sit in a car. The firearm often becomes visible when the driver twists to reach a wallet or leans forward to grab documents. Officers approaching from behind may see the grip before the driver even realizes it’s exposed. This position also places the gun directly under the spine, which raises safety concerns if an officer believes the driver might reach backward.
In several documented cases, that backward movement alone has escalated encounters. Add in the discomfort of sitting on the holster, and you get constant shifting that draws attention. What feels discreet while standing can look like suspicious movement from outside the vehicle.
2. Cross-Draw Holsters
Cross-draw holsters sit opposite the dominant hand, angled across the torso. In a vehicle, this often places the grip front and center when seatbelts are worn. Officers looking through the windshield may see the firearm immediately, sometimes before a word is exchanged. The biggest issue is motion: reaching for a seatbelt, registration, or glove compartment can mimic the same movement used to access the gun. That similarity has led to tense moments and, in some cases, detainment or arrest while things get sorted out. Cross-draw also makes it harder to keep hands clearly visible during instructions. In traffic stops, clarity beats convenience every time.
3. Shoulder Holsters Under Light Jackets
Shoulder holsters are classic, but cars complicate them. When a driver turns to look over a shoulder or reaches across the body, the jacket often swings open. The firearm becomes visible from multiple angles, including from the passenger side. Officers are trained to watch upper-body movement closely, and shoulder holsters naturally draw attention to the chest and arms. There’s also the issue of muzzle direction, which may point behind the driver or toward a passenger.
Even in jurisdictions where open or concealed carry is legal, unexpected exposure can still trigger temporary detention. The combination of motion and visibility makes shoulder rigs a frequent source of confusion during stops.
4. Appendix Carry
Appendix carry has grown popular for its accessibility, but traffic stops expose its downsides. Sitting compresses the holster forward, often pushing the grip outward against clothing. That “printing” can be obvious through a T-shirt or hoodie, especially when seatbelts pull fabric tight. Officers approaching the driver’s window are positioned to notice anything at the waistline. Another issue is instinctive movement; drivers often adjust for comfort while seated, and those adjustments can look like reaching. Even lawful carriers have been ordered out of vehicles or temporarily handcuffed because appendix carry made officers uneasy. Comfort doesn’t matter much when the encounter turns tense.
5. Ankle Holsters
Ankle holsters seem harmless, but vehicles make them tricky. Drivers frequently move their feet, cross ankles, or step out of the car without thinking. When the door opens, the firearm may be immediately visible at eye level to an officer standing nearby. Reaching down to adjust pants or retrieve something from the floor can also expose the holster.
Officers are trained to watch hands and lower-body movement during exits, especially when a driver is told to step out. Sudden visibility near the ground can trigger strong reactions. Ankle carry turns routine movements into potential misunderstandings.
6. Thigh And Drop-Leg Holsters
Thigh and drop-leg holsters are designed for range or tactical use, not commuter traffic. In a car, they are almost impossible to conceal and immediately visible when the door opens. Officers may associate these holsters with heightened risk because they are commonly seen in professional or tactical contexts. The size and placement suggest quick access, which raises safety flags during stops. Even in open-carry states, this setup often leads to extended questioning or detainment. The holster’s bulk also limits mobility when exiting the vehicle, making compliance look awkward or delayed. During a traffic stop, anything that looks out of place draws attention.
Where You Carry Matters More Than You Think
Traffic stops are high-alert moments built on quick judgments and limited information. Holster positions that seem practical in daily life can become liabilities once flashing lights enter the scene. Understanding how visibility, movement, and officer perception interact can help lawful carriers avoid unnecessary trouble. Laws vary widely, but human reactions follow patterns, especially under stress.
If you’ve had an experience where holster choice changed a traffic stop, your perspective could help others think twice before strapping in.
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