Also worth noting: Do NOT lie to the police. Refusing to answer a question is fine, and protected by the Charter in almost every circumstance (call a lawyer). But lying to the police is an offence (obstructing a peace officer), and will ruin your day.

Officers incapable of telling the difference between a snap cap and a live cartridge shouldn't be carrying a firearm.

My RPAL course was taught by a retired Police officer. He was adamant that we should never tell an officer that we are transporting firearms (in the context you describe). His reasoning was that most officers have very little or cursory at best, knowledge of the firearms regulations pertaining to their transport.

I had a situation when I was 18 where I was walking home from the range with 1) a rifle in a cloth back with the bolt removed and 2) a registered revolver, with a trigger lock in a locked case with the paperwork and the case inside a gym bag. The police drove by, pulled a U-turn and nearly hit me when pulling to the shoulder. She demanded what I was doing with a "shotgun" on HER streets. I explained what I had and why and that it was perfectly legal. She demanded my FAC (current at the time). She asked what was in the bag. When I explained, she demanded to see it, I refused as I was outside both the range and my residence. "Put it on the back seat and open it up." I kept refusing for the reasons stated above and that I could lose my permit and firearm. I offered to open it for her IF she transported me to either the range or home. She jumped on the radio with her supervisor and after a brief exchange, she broke contact and sent me on my way with a warning that she better not see me on HER streets with a SHOTGUN again! Sorry, lady, I was within the law. I may have still been a teenager and she would have been pushing 40 or older, but I knew my firearms law better than she did and used that to my advantage in the situation.

Ian Runkle is a great Canadian. We at our heart should be a country of principles and morals, and he is a great defender of those principles.

In short: The police are NOT your friends. Don't trust them. Don't assist them. They're out to get you. But at the same time, don't OBSTRUCT them.

Never ever volunteer information to a cop, it will only ever be used to negatively affect your life.

I went through a DUI check stop with my shotgun in the backseat (unloaded with the action open). The cops freaked out and grabbed it it without asking me. The cop went on and on about how it was illegal to have a firearm in my vehicle in town and that I needed to have it locked etc. I just said that as long as it was unloaded and I was present in the vehicle I didn't need to lock it. He then said "good thing we are doing a DUI checkpoint and don't have time to charge you with this. " The thing is that if I was actually breaking the law he would have charged me because firearm charges are considered to be very serious.

Punchline of the year "Preserve your rights". If I've seen anything this year it's that in Canada you have the right to do what you're told.

My Dad was a retired Police Supervisor. He always told me to keep my mouth shut, but be respectful.

"Anything that is coming out of your mouth is worsening your situation." and "If your mouth is moving, your situation is getting worse." Words to remember and live by. Thank you for that, Mr. Runkle.

The one that gets me is "do you have any weapons on you" when its hunting season. No officer, just my hunting tools. Makes me cringe at the whole system.

Geez, remember when we used to hang our guns in the back window of the pickup truck. That would pretty much bring down a swat team these days.

As an American living in a relatively gun-friendly state Oklahoma, what you describe as the law is very chilling. We may be facing similar laws nationwide sooner than many people believe. I have watched several of your firearms law videos, and it appears that Canadian gun laws are far more draconian than those of gun-hating states like New York, New Jersey or California

Probably should add that there's a big difference between not answering, and lying. Don't lie.

I'd love for you to go over the legal implications of truck guns. Transportation vs storage of non restricted in vehicles. It's always been somthing of a grey area to my understanding.

In my firearms training we were told to tell the cop he knows it’s illegal to open that case at the side of the road so if he wants to see what’s inside he has to follow you back to the gun range to open the case .....

Respectfully, sir, I decline to answer that question. Seems like a reasonable response to me.

THANK YOU,finally some great canadian advice.As an outdoorsman we have firearms and knives, there is so many grey areas in our laws regarding above mentioned it is very confusing. I really want to thank you for having this channel it is so important that we can get this information in a well presented form that we can understand!!!!

Back in about 2000 I took the firearms PAL test with a friend and a police officer was there doing the same. In talking to him he stated that he hadn't studied as he was very familiar with the subject. We studied and practiced extensively. He barely passed ... my friend and I passed in the high 90's percentile.

KZfaq is loaded with advance about firearms and what is and isn't legal. Your videos are some of the very few that explain why you should do or say different things. I'm living in the constitutional carry state of Arizona and I do carry most of the time when away from home or driving. We don't have to inform officers we have firearms but I myself and others I know will inform officers we have weapons so it doesn't appear we are reaching for them when removing our license and I have never had an issue with it. I do appreciate your information about letting them break into the gun case and explaining the reason for it. I know gun control is different in Canada but many of your videos explain how small interpretations of laws can make or break you regardless of what side of the border your on.

Thanks for the solid information. I definitely used to be the “I’m not doing anything wrong, so I’ll comply with anything.” If I happened to be in a situation like that. But I’ve changed my perspective now.

I have on several occasions been asked this question. My response has always been; “why do you ask?”. And before they have a chance to answer, I take the conversation in a different direction. I have yet had a LEO follow through and look through my vehicle or check my firearms. I did not lie.

Thank you so very much for empowering your viewers with valuable information. The legal system is such a difficult road to navigate!

This video is perfect. Legal knowledge and an adorable puppy that made me smile. I couldn't ask for more.

I once got pulled over doing 118kmh in a 90 on a highway in orillia ON, I had a bolt action rifle in the back seat. They cop pulled me over and asked for my registration and insurance and license. I gave my license and was having a hard time finding my registration. I told him I had a rifle in the back seat as it was in plain sight and a matter of time before he saw it on his own. He was really cool abt it and asked me where I was headed, and for my license, to which I explained I was headed home after an unsuccessful bear hunt. After checking my pal He asked what caliber it was because he was curious I said .30-06, he then asked if that was enough for black bear to which I responded “OH ya, plenty.” He said cool. He didn’t run my drivers license, nor my registration and he didn’t even look at my insurance, he let me go with no warning just said “try to slow down” in recap, some cops are cool, some are not, they more you are cool with them they more they are inclined to be cool with you. If I were you I’d keep your guns in the trunk so that in the event you get pulled over everything is out of sight.

It occurs to me, that in the case of a restricted firearm, opening the case while in between the range and home, would immediately be a felony. So even if the cop was just curious, the moment you open the case, it's not longer being transported legally.

As a prospective gun owner, (pal in process) this channel has been a godsend for the unholy amount of logic puzzles involved with modern law😂

I am really appreciating your videos on firearms related law in Canada. It is definitely helping me better understand our legal system, and how to navigate it even MORE carefully as a law abiding gun owner. God knows it's hard enough as it is.

It's so good to see some Canadian advise on our complex gun laws that are easily interpreted to suit the situation. Knowledge is power. Thank you

"Am I being detained"? yes, then I respectfully request a lawyer Officer ________. No, thank you officer have a good day.

Definitely appreciate this popping up in my feed 👌 .. Because I sadly know more about American laws than I do Canadian ones 😬 knowledge is power 😎

Ouch. When I was studying teachers told us to provide as much as possible information to police when they stoped you. But I see that it was an absolutely wrong advise.

Ian, thank you very much for this information. Peaceful gun enthusiasts such as myself need to know how to navigate the grey area that has been thrown at us by our federal government. I like how you use examples as well. -James Walper, Libertarian Party of Canada

Never, ever volunteer any information to a cop. They are NOT your friend

Really like that you are helping everyone out by releasing your videos. I believe that I might have heard you speak in person once before. I really appreciate the info and advice that you give. Thank You!!!

Was told to call before leaving with firearms in my vehicle but in Canada we are treated like criminals when you have PAL but yea never trust a cop never

"Good day, sir." "I HAVE A GUN!"

Yup, rule number 1 , don’t lie, rule number 2, don’t be a smart ass!!! Rule number 3 , have your firearms locked , in a proper case, ammo hidden sum what, rifle cases covered up, blanket works great! & living in crime city of Canada, N. B. SK. The LEO’s always ask when stopped, Do you have any weapons on you or in your vehicle? Cuts through to the chase, makes the traffic stop much better& faster, ( & safer for both parties) then your on your way!!🤙

Here's what makes me laugh about certain gun owners in Canada based on my experience. There is a certain type of gun owner out there that likes to cozy up to the police, parallel themselves with the police. In fact there is a Canadian youtuber that promotes such behavior. Gun owners are not cops and most cops don't give crap about guns during the course of their duties. Gun owners mind your own business.

all you say is "I do not talk to police unless in the presence of my lawyer"

Officer - “do you have an guns in the vehicle?” Answer - “is that relevant to this stop, sir?”

Excellent vid as always. Would you be able to offer a list of firearms lawyers available to Canadians, say by province/territory? I wager more will be needed especially with current political proceedings going on.

Great videos and advice Ian. I have just found your KZfaq channel this past week and greatly appreciate your content and advice. Thanks for the great work!!

i am glad you said not including a fish and game officer, because that is a totally different story, they have the power to search any thing with out awarrant, your stopped by a fish and game officer and he she asks you to open the action of your fire arm/s, you best do so, or you can be charged, it is clearly stated in the hunting regs

Thanks for the information, its important that people know what their rights are. If you are stopped by the police late at night or on a holiday or weekend, and can't get your lawyer on the phone, what do you do then.

Under the new driving laws though, they have GIVEN them the power to search on the grounds of impairment? Then they have access to your vehicle.

Thanks, Ian. My guns would be in the trunk. My guns would be transported in the appropriate manner. They are not a concern to them or anyone else.

If the issue doesn't come up, there's no reason to bring it up. If it does, coorperating to the extent the officer requests has resulted in the least pain in the ass, in my experience. I have never had a problem explaining to an officer what I was doing, why I was doing it, and why a reasonable person would do the same thing. Applying that principle to everything in advance has been far more important than nitpicking after the fact. Dorky nitpicking is best to do in advance, lock everything up as it should be. Decide why it is where it is before you put it there. Know your rights and behave as if you are exercising them legally. Every criminal charge starts with an officer deciding one is necessary. In every case you have the option to pre-empt that. If your actions are reasonable and the officer agrees, you will not be charged. Even if the letter of the law states you should be, both the common law and common sense dictate that no one breaks the law who acts as a reasonable person would in a given situation. Common sense, in the sense that all you need to do is convince the officer in question that your actions were reasonable. This has worked for me every time I've tried it, including the times I openly admitted committing criminal acts in a reasonable fashion. Once the case reaches the Crown it is subject to multiple layers of oversight. At the roadside with a single cop, it can still not have happened. Instead of telling people to shut up and call someone who can talk like you, you ought to tell them how to talk in the first place. That's how you stop charges before they start.

Thanks a Trillion with a "T" for shedding light and the education/knowledge in this regard. Liked and subscribed.

With respect to restricted Firearms, my understanding was that it was it illegal to open a case at the roadside because you're then breaking a law and the officer can't ask you to break the law by asking you to open the case My instructor told us if the guy wants to open the case let him break it open but don't open it for him because then you could be charged technically if you do Only in Canada

Now you changed my whole thinking when going home from the gun range.

No you do not ever have to answer questions until they charge you with something. They can detain you and pepper you with questions say nothing other than until my lawyer is present. LICENCE, REGISTRATION AND PROOF OF INSURANCE AND A BREATHALYZER IF DEMANDED. That is all you are required to provide by law.

For Canada. As long as in your personal vehicle you carry a NR firearm, unloaded, ammo anywhere else around or on you, valid PAL, NR firearm not visible from outside, vehicle fully locked when unattended (that makes sense with or w/o a firearm inside!), do not have to worry about anything firearm-related issues! I live in Toronto (the largest Canadian city with most shootings and homicides each and every year!)) and carry daily my legally-owned Mossberg 590 Shockwave with #00 buckshot ammo exclusively for personal self-defense! CCFR's firearms legal defense insurance is a pretty safe investment too!

I'd love to see one of these videos done for interacting with a MNR officer.

It’s surprising to me how many police officers aren’t well versed in the law. I understand they don’t need to attend law school but they should know certain things. I had an off duty cop tell me my pocket knife was prohibited because I could open it one-handed and that I was lucky he was off-duty. I had to show him on my phone that it wasn’t illegal. He just shrugged and said I was still lucky. Crazy.

Thanks so much for doing your videos! They are always very informative and we really like watching them!

Thanks Ian. You do great work. This was good clarification. Love the pups.

As Ian mentions, provincial regs are another matter. In New Brunswick, as an example, you’ve no choice when a CO asks to inspect firearms…in plain view. That being said, the CO has to first see firearms and you’re under no legal obligation to respond when asked whether there are arms in the conveyance. And, remember, the sight of gun case is not evidence of a firearm. It’s evidence only of a gun case. Where this gets interesting is if and when police officers are also named de facto COs. They then have the same authority afforded by s.11.1 Just remember, no LEO can demand to inspect what they cannot see. From the Act: • Powers as peace officers 11Every conservation officer in carrying out his duties under this Act and the regulations has and may exercise all the powers, authorities and immunities of a peace officer as defined in the Criminal Code, chapter C-34 of the Revised Statutes of Canada, 1970. 2004, c.12, s.9 • Power to inspect firearms and ammunition 11.1A conservation officer, for the purpose of ensuring compliance with this Act and the regulations, may inspect any firearm or ammunition in a person’s possession in a resort of wildlife. 2001, c.18, s.2; 2004, c.12, s.10

thank you for all the information. It is great to get these laws easier to understand. Thank you

So well done. I'm the type to comply I have nothing to hide, but your arguments win the day.

Thank you . Very important video while our gun laws are changing abruptly.

An OPP friend of mine told me that if you are wearing camo or they are hunting gear they then act under the Ontario hunting regulations and search your car anyway if they feel the need.

Jesus Christ he says hope your armed with info and then has a dogvideo mike drop... Subbed my man

Good evening tonight I was directed to your channel and I must say this is awesome information. More people need to see your channel. I just watched this episode. You did mention that fish and wildlife have more athortie then RCMP. I and I am sure many more would like to see a short video on what more athortie do Fish and wildlife have and what we need to know. Thank you good sir

Seems like no matter the answer, it will cost you. Whether it be a lawyer, an additional ticket, or giving the full extent of what they're pulling you over for.

Excellent video and advice!!!!!!!!! :-) Being annoyed or offended is not a crime. Some would want it to be, but it is not!! You'd be surprised how many officers have no idea about the firearms laws. They hear gun, and many just want to arrest and charge you. There's no reason why an officer should need to be looking into your gun case if you are a legal firearm owner. Having nothing to hide is not a reason to give up your rights. I'd rather buy a new gun case then pay tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. Gone is the time when many officers were also firearm enthusiasts. Today, many are anti-gun for anyone else. When you are transporting firearms. Have then properly secured and locked up if required, and have all you paperwork with you. But NEVER admit that you have firearms in the vehicle. Have them out of site so that no one will ever have reason to ask. That way you avoid the whole attempted conversation with the officer.

Last year I was pulled over by an RCMP Constable for going 140 in a 100km/h zone. I was honestly, simply lost in conversation with my wife and was not deliberately speeding. When the constable arrived at the window he sounded really annoyed and I expected to get the book thrown at me. I explained my situation and he asked if I had any alcohol, or firearms in the car. I said, "yes, non-restricted rifles". He asked for my PAL and if they were "properly stored". I said yes. He walked back to his car, came back about 5 minutes later and said, in a firm voice, "SLOW DOWN". He then turned around and left... No ticket!!!! I'm sure (without evidence) that he let me go because I was honest and open about the guns. I'm sure Runkle is correct, but I'm glad I responded the way I did on that day!

I'm sure this has been said already, but this appears to be for CANADIAN law, NOT US law. The rules and regulations I'm sure differ between the countries... But I know at least generally in the US if you have a concealed carry license and are carrying concealed, you're generally (I'm sure it varies from state to state) at least encouraged to volunteer that you have a concealed carry and are carrying a FIREARM (don't say "gun" or "weapon" or anything else that's sufficiently non-technical in nature). It's also recommended that you proceed carefully and slowly, ESPECIALLY if the officer wants to take control of the firearm for their safety, for instance. You're also supposed to do your best to comply with the officer, since (if you look at it from their perspective) you're armed and are potentially about to be arrested. You still don't consent to any searches or anything, but generally you're fine if the officer wants to, say, pat you down and take control of your firearm when they discover it. So, don't tell them that they can search your vehicle, but let them pat you down and remove your firearm from its holster/take it into their possession if they ask. Of course, from everything I've heard, at least in areas where concealed carry is common, officers are generally more concerned by people who either (in areas where essentially EVERYONE has a firearm) don't have a concealed carry at all (my friend that worked as a 911 dispatch in an area of a state where essentially everyone had firearms told me that the officers in his area told him that they don't need to know if the person they pull over has a concealed carry, rather, they want to know if the person DOESN'T have a concealed carry, since that was actually more suspicious in the officers mind), or by people who are expressly prohibited from owning firearms (especially if because of a firearms offense) and/or has a concealed carry and doesn't volunteer that information during a traffic stop. And do keep in mind, NONE OF THIS IS LEGAL ADVICE. If you want legal advice, consult a lawyer and don't rely upon a comment from a random stranger on the internet. Frankly, don't even rely upon a general comment by a known lawyer on the internet if they aren't explicitly representing/advising you.

Critical knowledge for Canadian firearms owners to be armed with. Thanks again!

If he wants to see it tell him to follow you to the range where you will get it out.

Your video's are very good, thanks for doing this.

Thank you mr Runkle

During my RPAL course years ago the instructor touched on this topic as well as per how the law is/was written in that you are only allowed to have the restricted firearm at a range, gunsmith, store etc. and that by giving consent at a roadside officer Newbee could lay a charge as your firearm is now no longer cased and or trigger locked depending on the placement of the serial number. I never travel with goodies TARGETS in view. That way the questions may not arise.

Perhaps an officer trying to lay a charge should know something about the items involved in the alleged offence.

If a Police Officer pulls you over and sees a gun case in the back seat, he is going to ask why it is there and what type of firearm it is. He may also be trying to determine if the gun is in it, or somewhere else in the car ready to be pulled out and used on him. Unless he did a records check on the car lic plate before pulling the car over or approaching, he has no idea who is in the car and their state of being / nature. The owner of the car may not be the one driving (or even in the vehicle)... so he wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't ask about it (my opinion). I am not sure about the US, but in Canada our gun rules are very strict...(some too much so) and if I remember correctly, does that not give him grounds to conduct a search of the vehicle? And if you refuse information about the weapons, couldn't that be construed as obstruction? The Officer may just be trying to determine what they are and why you have them. Sure - there are alot of gung-ho power-tripping cops out there but not all cops are bad. He could be asking for his own safety sake, or because something happened in the area involving a shooting / firearm. But if its not in view (say stored safely in the trunk) and it was a random stop or one for speeding, I wouldn't bring it up if they don't.

If its a restricted gun, you’re not legally aloud to unlock the case other than at home or the range... so why break the law in front of a cop??

Great video. Say if you’re coming back from the range and are pulled over by the police; As per your video, when asked you make the “mistake” of telling the police officer that you have legally owned guns in the car. Question: Does the police officer now have the “right” or “probable cause” to search your vehicle, and do have to let them see your firearms? Keep the videos coming.

Lying to a police officer is an offense if you are under oath or identifying yourself. In my state with my CCW permit I am not obligated to inform police of being armed even if asked. We have more rights to refuse police then they have to jack us up.

as a retired cop people talk too much and mostly good people who think the officer is your friend. Most cops dont know the regulations . If the cops want to do things dont agree if they have the authority they will break in. Silence is golden.

Out of curiosity, let's say you refuse to answer their question about having firearms in the vehicle. What do you say if 1) They automatically assume you have a firearm in the vehicle and start using this line of thinking on you? Do you ask them how it's relevant to the traffic violation? and 2) What do you say if they conduct an illegal search against your permission and start lying to you by saying that you are required to tell them about firearms? Do you ask them to cite that law in the Canadian Firearms Act? This is a question I asked in my CFSC and CRFSC course because I was curious, I know in the states, some open/concealed carry guys will tell officers on a traffic stop - but that's a whole different ball game. Ultimately in this situation it appears as though either way, whatever your answer is (yes or no), your vehicle will likely be searched. Maybe they'll pull a quick one and say your vehicle smells like pot and so I'm gonna search it to find that firearm that you are "concealing"

no

Just flipping through some older vids,,,wow short hair. Didn't really realize over the years lol. Cheers sir,great vids.

One reason for snap-caps. Years ago I had a 1960's SxS hammered 12guage that cocked on closing. I would keep two lightly oiled snap-caps in it so I could 'drop the hammers' when I put it in storage. I didn't want to store it longterm cocked.

Honesty if your gun is loaded with a cartridge in your car, you deserve to be charged

My rule for myself is when dealing with peace officers is if replacements are cheap compared to the alternative, let them take it. Or, in this case, break it. Cases and locks cost, sure, but reasonable doubt is priceless. Making your potential future lawyer's life easier is also more valuable than it may seem.

Mr. Runkle, firstly, I just discovered your channel and what excellent content I found. Thanks. It's not clear to me from this video whether I am supposed to open any firearms transport cases at the side of the road if, not asked, rather ordered to by a police officer. Aren't I opening myself up to a Firearms Act charge if I do open the cases? That is, foregoing for the moment my Charter right regarding unreasonable search & seizure and the cost of the transport cases should I not comply. If I do not comply, may I not then be arrested and charged with one of several other charges?

I was told that I should declare the fact that I have a pistol in the car if I'm stopped on the way to or from a range.

Thank Runk.

Definitely worth knowing

If an opinion means nothing in a court of law; Why should, “the opinion of the OIC” matter in any way? (Delegated or not) This came from a very expensive lawyer, and his advice worked a 100% The use of “In my opinion” when asked anything on the stand. Great show my friend Thank you in advance should you decide to answer my question. I’m sure anyone with knowledge of this, could use an explanation.

Just replace “Crown” with DA and a lot of this can apply for Americans (except the part of transporting with a round in the chamber depending of the state you’re in and depending on if is in a case, in a holster or just sitting out in the open). Regardless of any exceptions for Americans vs what any Canadians may deal with, the essence of what he said still applies. “I do not consent to any searches” should be everybody’s default answer along with doing nothing to assist them. Two more things for Americans, one is you can’t be compelled to give up combinations and/or passwords that were created by you, are not written down and read when needed

Great education, as always. Yup, the good old "I have nothing to hide" trap.... the number of people who have gotten in trouble because of their "good faith", Guess what, law enforcement is not in "good faith".

Snap-caps are to allow relaxing the firing pin or hammer spring. They are inert and not live rounds.

The smirk on your face after you made the "I hope you were armed with some knowledge". haha.

Good information and well presented. Thanks.

Glad I watched this. I had assumed that I needed to hand them my 5589

Pardon my ignorance, but my legal knowledge is limited to what I remember from high school law class. What we were taught was that police had no authority to search your car unless they had probable cause. We were also taught that a refusal to a request to search your car was probable cause that you were hiding something, essentially giving them the right to search you whenever they wish. I hope this is incorrect. I understand the attitude that we need to stand up for our rights and never accept unlawful intrusion into our privacy. I also understand that I do not have the means to sustain a legal battle with the government. It’s very easy (and somewhat self-serving) for a lawyer to recommend everyone engage in actions that will then necessitate the hiring of a lawyer. Is there an organization in Canada similar to the USCCA which will provide legal support to members when they stand up to the police to defend their rights?

great insight here Mr. Runkle. 🤗. cheers.

Thank you! Will be passing your videos on!