Delaware Duty to Inform: Police Stops While Carrying

Duty to Inform Law Enforcement in Delaware

No Statutory Duty to Inform

Delaware does not have a statutory duty to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a concealed weapon during a routine traffic stop or other law enforcement encounter. A review of Delaware's criminal code — Title 11, Chapter 5, Subchapter VII, which governs firearms and other deadly weapons (§§ 1301–1474) — does not reveal a duty-to-inform provision based on the statutory framework.

Relevant Statutory Framework

Delaware's concealed carry license provisions are found primarily in 11 Del. C. § 1441 through § 1441B (License to Carry Concealed Deadly Weapons). Based on a review of the relevant statutory framework, these provisions do not appear to include a duty-to-inform requirement.

Practical Considerations

• Although there is no legal obligation to volunteer the information, permit holders should familiarize themselves with all applicable requirements under their concealed carry license by consulting the full text of the relevant statutes.
• If asked by a law enforcement officer whether you are carrying a weapon, it is generally advisable to respond truthfully. Providing false information to law enforcement could potentially result in criminal charges under applicable Delaware law.
• Even without a legal duty, voluntarily informing officers during encounters is often recommended as a matter of safety and courtesy.

Important Note

While Delaware does not impose a proactive duty to inform, permit holders should always comply with lawful requests from law enforcement officers. Individuals should consult the full text of the relevant statutes or seek legal counsel for definitive guidance on their specific obligations.