This guide offers a clear and practical approach to handling a traffic stop when your vehicle is held in a private trust.

Police authority is limited to commercial vehicles under statutory law, so a vehicle in a private trust, being non-commercial, is not subject to requirements like licensing or registration when operated privately.
This article explains how to assert your status as a private traveler during a traffic stop.
This video shows how to handle the police when they stop a vehicle protected by a private trust:
The Truth About Private Trusts and Travel
Governments, operating as corporate entities, enforce statutory laws that apply to commercial activity, such as driving a “motor vehicle” for hire or trade.
However, when you place your vehicle in a private trust, it becomes private property, not a commercial asset.
As a private traveler using your conveyance for personal purposes, you are exercising your natural right to travel under common law, free from corporate regulations like driver’s licenses or vehicle registration.
Police, as agents of the corporate state, lack jurisdiction over private property unless you consent to their authority or violate common law (e.g., causing harm).
During a traffic stop, your goal is to calmly and confidently assert your private status, making it clear that your vehicle is not subject to commercial statutes. Below are straightforward steps to handle such an encounter while staying true to your rights.
Steps to Handle a Traffic Stop
- Stay Calm and Composed
Why it matters: Keeping your cool prevents the officer from escalating the situation or claiming you’re a threat.
How to do it: When the officer approaches, slightly crack your window to speak clearly but don’t act overly submissive. Be polite but firm, showing you know your rights without antagonizing the officer. - Show Your Trust Documents
Why it matters: Trust documents prove your vehicle is private property, not a commercial “motor vehicle” under the state’s control.
How to do it: Hand over a copy of your trust paperwork, which should clearly state the vehicle is held in a private trust. Keep these documents organized and ready. Don’t offer a driver’s license or other state-issued ID, as these imply you’re operating under corporate statutes. - Declare Your Private Traveler Status
Why it matters: Stating you’re a private traveler establishes that you’re not engaged in commerce, so the officer’s statutory authority doesn’t apply.
How to do it: Say something simple like, “I’m traveling privately, and my conveyance is in a private trust. I’m not operating a commercial vehicle.” Keep it short and clear, avoiding arguments or complex legal terms that might confuse the officer. - Don’t Comply with Commercial Demands
Why it matters: Agreeing to show a license or answer questions about registration can be seen as consenting to the officer’s assumed authority over you.
How to do it: Politely decline requests for state-issued IDs or information tied to commercial statutes. For example, if asked for a license, say, “My vehicle is private property in a trust, and I’m not required to have a license for private travel.” Stay calm but resolute. - Ask Questions to Shift the Burden
Why it matters: Questions force the officer to justify their actions, exposing their reliance on corporate statutes that don’t apply to you.
How to do it: Ask calmly, “What harm have I caused?” or “Are you claiming authority over my private property?” These questions challenge the officer’s jurisdiction without being confrontational. - Stand Your Ground Peacefully
Why it matters: Officers may not understand trusts and might push back, but staying firm without aggression protects your position.
How to do it: If the officer insists on compliance, restate your private status and point to your trust documents. Don’t argue or raise your voice, as this could give them an excuse to escalate. If they won’t back down, ask to speak to a supervisor or note that you’ll address the matter later with counsel. - Record and Follow Through
Why it matters: Documenting the stop preserves evidence of the officer’s actions, which can be useful if you need to challenge a ticket or file a complaint.
How to do it: Write down the officer’s name, badge number, and details of the encounter (date, time, location, reason for the stop). If you get a ticket, prepare to contest it by presenting your trust documents in court, arguing the officer lacked jurisdiction. Work with someone experienced in trust law to strengthen your case.
Key Points to Understand
Your Right to Travel: As a private individual, you have a natural right to travel freely without corporate interference, as long as you’re not causing harm. A vehicle in a private trust is your conveyance, not a “motor vehicle” under statutory law.
Police Limitations: Officers enforce corporate statutes, which only apply to commercial activity. By asserting your private status and showing trust documents, you clarify that their rules don’t apply to you.
Trust Setup: Your trust must be properly created and documented to hold weight. It should explicitly state the vehicle is private property, not subject to state control. Research trust law or consult an expert to ensure your trust is solid.
Risks and Realities
Even though you understand the corporate nature of government, police and courts often operate under the assumption that their statutes apply to everyone. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Officer Resistance: Most officers are trained to enforce commercial statutes and may not recognize your private trust. They might issue tickets or escalate the situation if you don’t comply with their demands.
- Court Challenges: Corporate courts rarely acknowledge private trust exemptions, as they’re designed to uphold statutory law. Contesting a ticket requires strong documentation and a clear understanding of common law principles.
- Practical Consequences: Refusing to comply during a stop could lead to fines, vehicle impoundment, or arrest, depending on the officer’s response. Be prepared for pushback and know how to handle it peacefully.
To minimize risks, study trust law thoroughly and consider working with someone who has successfully navigated these situations. Knowledge is your best tool for standing firm against corporate overreach.
When your vehicle is in a private trust, a traffic stop is an opportunity to assert your natural right to travel freely, outside the corporate government’s commercial statutes.
By staying calm, presenting trust documents, declaring your private status, and asking questions, you can navigate the encounter with confidence.
Keep interactions peaceful, document everything, and be ready to follow through if the officer oversteps.
While the corporate system may resist your stance, a well-prepared approach rooted in truth and common law can help you protect your rights.
Stay informed, ensure your trust is properly set up, and connect with others who share your understanding to strengthen your strategy.
Freedom to travel privately is your birthright: Exercise it wisely.
How do you set up a trust?
We recommend KSGH Security: They are experts in setting up Discretionary Trusts, and they will help you navigate the complexities of setting up a trust for any purpose you require, building in flexible and efficient trust structures designed to meet your specific needs and aspirations.