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04-05-2014, 06:06 PM
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Traffic stop while carrying
What's the right thing to do in this case?
Announce that you are legally carrying, or say nothing and hope that the LEO doesn't notice? I'm thinking the latter could be extremely dangerous.
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04-05-2014, 06:13 PM
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Check the laws in your state. In West Virginia, we're not required to inform the officer during a traffic stop.
Handgunlaw.us
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04-05-2014, 06:18 PM
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Yup... Varies from State to State.
In TX, you hand the cop both your DL and CHL card and let them direct what happens next.
They May ask if you're carrying 'Now'... Then may simply say 'leave it where it is', depending on the severity of the stop.
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04-05-2014, 06:19 PM
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Respectfully inform the officer that you have a concealed carry license, that there is a gun in the car, and where in the vehicle or on your person it can be found. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and obey instructions to the letter.
Understandably, LEO's don't like surprises. I wouldn't in their situation.
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04-05-2014, 06:26 PM
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Fallen Comrade
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Kansas
Quote:
Originally Posted by snubbyfan
Check the laws in your state. In West Virginia, we're not required to inform the officer during a traffic stop.
Handgunlaw.us
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Kansas is same way. You do not have to tell unless asked.
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04-05-2014, 06:32 PM
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First you want to abide by the laws in your state, if you are required to inform then of course you want to do so. If not then it’s your call.
I don’t because I don’t see the point; all it does is add time to the stop.
I haven’t been pulled over in years but if I am I have my wallet in my hand before the cop ever gets to the car. I hand him my paperwork and go from there. If I am asked if there are any weapons in the car I say nothing and hand the cop my permit.
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04-05-2014, 06:36 PM
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Thanks guys, good advice.
I haven't been stopped in years either. Must be the gray hair.
Good info on the link, thanks Snubby
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04-05-2014, 06:37 PM
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In South Carolina you are required to inform the LEO you have a cwp and a weapon in the car.
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04-05-2014, 06:41 PM
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I always appreciated being told calmly before i notice it.
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04-05-2014, 07:55 PM
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I had the opportunity to explore this event a couple weeks ago as I returned from the range at a higher than advisable rate of speed that attracted the attention of a pair of deputies and their surprisingly accurate radar gun. The officer in charge not very kindly asked me where I had been, what I had been doing, had I had anything to drink today, and was I taking any "medications?" (this is Colorado, mind you). Figuring that honesty is the best policy, especially when talking to LE, I stated that I had been target shooting on public land about 10 miles up the road and was returning home. Answers to the last two questions were NO SIR and NO SIR. Officers seemed a little tense. "How many guns do you have in your vehicle?" Now I'm a little tense. Uh ... using fingers ... 4 revolvers and one rifle. "Where are the guns?" The handguns are in cases in this box on the seat next to me and the rifle is in the case next to that. "Ok, do you have any weapons ON you?" NO SIR. That was the truth, but I had reserved my last 6 rounds of 357 in the model 19 just because. That is legal in this state and I do also have a concealed carry license, but had just elected to put the gun in the case for the ride home.
"Ok, let me see your papers and don't go digging around in that box." YES SIR, I understand.
Turns out I checked out as distinctly non-threatening and he advised me to be more observant of the signage due to the number of deer and elk on the road, don't want to hit one of those, makes a mess. Yes, I see them regularly and I promise to be more careful. "OK, have a nice day and here is my business card in case you have any questions about this contact." Then they relaxed and made some jokes about the targets that were clearly visible in the back. I think they were mostly looking for impaired drivers coming back from the nearby casinos and I didn't fit the description.
To make a long story longer, I thought about all this and sent the officer a respectful email inquiring about the proper procedure if I had been armed on my person. In the meantime, I looked up the law and it turns out that Colorado does not have a Duty to Inform law. In a couple hours, presumably at the end of his shift, he replied, also very respectfully, that IF ASKED I must state that I am armed. Then, it is up to the officer's discretion whether to disarm the person. Just do as directed.
So, I learned a little bit. Check your local laws.
Last edited by Peak53; 04-05-2014 at 07:58 PM.
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04-05-2014, 08:21 PM
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My daughter is in a Police Explorer group. I take her to her meetings and get to play drunks, thugs, etc... (definitely fun).
A couple of weeks ago they did traffic stop scenarios. This is done in a public parking lot with lights going and radios on the training frequency.
When we were finished, I asked one of the instructors the best way to handle a situation if I were pulled over while carrying. Ohio is a shall inform state. This is a veteran officer and SWAT team sniper. His answer? "Be as rude as possible." Say what?!
He clarified "If the officer is speaking when he approaches, interrupt them. If they continue interrupt them again. They will understand when they hear what you've said."
His instructions for on what to do and say? "Officer, I am a CC permit holder I have a firearm on my person (or in the vehicle)
How would you like me to proceed"?
His advise also. hands on steering wheel, window down, dome light on if nighttime. You want to make the officer as comfortable as possible.
Good tips. Though I'm not sure about being rude, but he says he'd rather be interrupted than surprised.
Sorry for the length.
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04-05-2014, 08:32 PM
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You can not go wrong with following the law of the state you are stopped in, however from experience I can tell you that cops don't like surprises and like to feel in control. I teach, "I have a CCW permit and I am carrying, what would you like me to do?
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04-05-2014, 08:55 PM
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Do what applicable state and local law REQUIRES.
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04-05-2014, 09:13 PM
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04-05-2014, 09:25 PM
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In Michigan the person who owns the vehicle their license plate will tell the LEO when him/her runs the plate that you are a CPL/CCW holder before they stop you. When they do pull you over you MUST tell them that you are a CPL/CCW holder and where your hardware is if on you. I think all states should do this for not only your safe being but also the LEO.
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04-05-2014, 09:25 PM
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No duty to inform here. Only been pulled over once. Handed my DL and HCP to the officer. I didn't say anything about a gun nor did the officer. That's the way it should be IMO. I'm not going to hold my hands on the steering wheel or act any differently because I'm carrying. In Tenn our DL and HCP are the same number so if he runs my tag before he approaches my truck I'm guessing he knows the registered owner has a carry permit. Seems like most everyone around here has a gun in the car anyway, carry permit or not.
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04-05-2014, 10:08 PM
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In NY, LE has no ability to determine if you have a CC permit from your driver's lic information. Nor are you legally obligated to tell them if you are carrying during a traffic stop.
If I were stopped I would say nothing unless they specifically ask or if for some reason, they ask me to get out of my car. I would definitely tell them prior to exiting. I would also ask them how they'd like me to proceed (with both hands on the steering wheel).
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04-05-2014, 10:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by topbrass
In Michigan the person who owns the vehicle their license plate will tell the LEO when him/her runs the plate that you are a CPL/CCW holder before they stop you. When they do pull you over you MUST tell them that you are a CPL/CCW holder and where your hardware is if on you. I think all states should do this for not only your safe being but also the LEO.
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Like said, Ohio is a must inform state. If *I* happen to get pulled over, I put both hands out of the window and when the officer approaches, I tell him that I am an armed off-duty, and let him take it from there. The only difference with an off-duty and a CCW holder is what you tell the LEO who stopped you: (I'm an LEO OR, I have a CCW and am carrying).
I too appreciate being told by the driver/occupants of a vehicle as soon as I get to the car and 9/10 let them keep their gun on them, but ask that they keep their hands away from it unless SPECIFICALLY asked to do so (such as if the wallet is in the rear pocket behind the gun).
A good thing to do would be to have the wallet and ID OUT before the LEO approaches the car. It usually takes us a minute or two to get out of our car to approach yours and that would be the time to get it, NOT as we are approaching, that just doesn't look "right" to us, it may trigger a "warning" that something is up (I work in the inner-city, so I am VERY attuned and suspicious of movement in a car).
Just be calm and use your head and you should be fine.
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04-05-2014, 11:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LL617
In South Carolina you are required to inform the LEO you have a cwp and a weapon in the car.
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Yes, but only after they ask for your identification (and they've clearly identified themselves as a LEO, which is usually clear via uniform and badge).
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04-05-2014, 11:18 PM
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Cmort probably has more info on this than I do but in Ohio I believe a permit holder was charged with failure to in form in a timely manner because it took him 51 seconds to get the cop to shut up long enough for him to get the words out.
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04-06-2014, 09:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil
No duty to inform here. Only been pulled over once. Handed my DL and HCP to the officer. I didn't say anything about a gun nor did the officer. That's the way it should be IMO. I'm not going to hold my hands on the steering wheel or act any differently because I'm carrying. In Tenn our DL and HCP are the same number so if he runs my tag before he approaches my truck I'm guessing he knows the registered owner has a carry permit. Seems like most everyone around here has a gun in the car anyway, carry permit or not.
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What he said.........
Tennessee CCW Laws, Regulations & Reciprocity Maps
Click on "CCW by State" to view your state
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04-06-2014, 09:14 AM
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I respectively disagree with clarity of the uniform and badge and I'll add vehicle as identification. This is a rapidly growing "scam" around the country. I'd be wary, especially out and away from any other people/activity. Sorry, I'm just suspicious these days. I guess I've finally completed my life long transition to my Dad, and I'm proud of it
Quote:
Originally Posted by CatSnipah
Yes, but only after they ask for your identification (and they've clearly identified themselves as a LEO, which is usually clear via uniform and badge).
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04-06-2014, 09:22 AM
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I think the best thing you could do is jump out of the car waving your hands around and screaming "I've got a gun! I've got a gun!" like a little girl.
If nothing else you will get their attention
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04-06-2014, 09:39 AM
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Concealed carry is brand new here in Illinois (at least LEGAL concealed carry!) so I expect LEO's to be a bit more nervous about the whole idea of citizens carrying firearms with them. I suspect that when my license plate is run, well before the officer approaches my car, he will know that I have a concealed carry license. If he doesn't ask me, or mention anything, I will not volunteer any information on any subject, including anything about carrying. I will be sitting with my hands on the steering wheel, with my driver's license and my proof of insurance in my hand. I will also have my wallet sitting in view in case he asks me to show him/her my concealed carry license.
In truth, I have become a bit more of a law abiding driver since I received my concealed carry license, because I would prefer not to be stopped in the first place and not have to go through any such issues with the LEO. I will admit to having a heavy foot in the past, and having received many, many speeding citations. Now I make sure I keep my speed to no more than 10 over the limit which seems to be effective in avoiding being stopped.
My wife is not comfortable with ANYTHING to do with firearms. She knows I have a concealed carry license, she knows I own guns, she knows I go to the range, etc. But if I have to openly tell an LEO that I am carrying, and possibly have a more intense incident that just getting a ticket (such as having to step out of the car, hand my firearm to the officer, etc.) I know that I will have a wife who is very uncomfortable and very unhappy. So I will try to avoid ever being stopped and let her continue her "don't ask and I won't tell" policy regarding guns. Happy wife, happy life. (I suspect that she secretly feels a bit safer knowing that I am likely carrying at any given time but she would never admit it!)
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04-07-2014, 11:57 AM
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As stated, here in Michigan the law requires us to inform (I'm not so sure about the part about telling them where the gun is exactly), but I make it a point to have my license in one hand and my cpl in the other, holding them both near the top of the steering wheel. I keep my hands there until otherwise directed.
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04-07-2014, 12:49 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Smoke
Cmort probably has more info on this than I do but in Ohio I believe a permit holder was charged with failure to in form in a timely manner because it took him 51 seconds to get the cop to shut up long enough for him to get the words out.
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Notification is NOT required in Florida, but a friend of mine (a local youth minister) got stopped in a DUI roadblock one night in the wee hours. He does not drink, and had not been drinking. He had been out with his airsoft group and had his airsoft M-4 on the back dash of his Challenger... no tint, in plain view....
The officer asked about the gun and he explained that it was airsoft. He asked the officer if he wanted to check it out, and the officer said no. He explained that he had been playing airsoft, and had consumed no alcohol. The officer asked for his ID, and he provided both his DL and CCW. Officer DID NOT ask if he was armed, and he did nto volunteer this information at this time (he had a full size 45 on his right hip).
The officer asked him to step out of the vehicle, and continued a line of questioning indicating that he was suspicious of DUI.... My friend, upon being asked to step out informed the officer that he was armed with a 45 on his right hip...,, no response from the police....
He got out and performed the field sobriety tests, answered their questions, and interrupted the cop and his partner TWICE to inform them that he was armed.... again, no comments from either officer on the fact that he was armed..... (three ignored notifications, and they had his ccw in their possesion).
At that time, they decided to search him, had him put his hands on the hood of the car, and he for the forth time (with his hands on the hood and back to the officers) informed them that he was armed with a 45 on the right hip (this gentleman is tall and skinny... hard for him to hide a 5" 45). Again no response.... as the original officer started to pat him down, and reached around the belt, he acted surprised to find the gun, pinned my friend on the hood, and berated him for carrying a loaded gun, while he struggled to get the gun out of the IWB holster. The verbal assault continued as the officer could not figure out how to clear the 1911, and had to have his partner show him the safety lever. Verbal assaults continued after the gun was cleared, and the preacher was placed into handcuffs and told he was going to be arrested. (second officer was running the gun for stolen).
Of course the gun came back clean, and when the partner returned he removed the cuffs, gave the gun, round, and magazine back, and told him he was free to go.
Now this fellow is young looking for his age, and has a nice car, nice job, and is a very mild mannered individual. He had never had something like this happen, and we all are still amazed that it could happen to this guy... the best we can figure the offending cop was a younger trainee, or having a bad night ect.... It just really was a pain in the butt for him, all for no reason.....
Reason I post all this is thats what I believe gfy1960 officer was saying.... if you act like an ***, it is an attention getter.... you can always calm down and apologize for being a jerk, but the LEO needs to get the fact that you are armed before things go downhill..... I doubt any cop would hold it against you when all is said and done..... it is just information that needs to be clearly communicated efficiently....
Last edited by Autococker07; 04-07-2014 at 12:53 PM.
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04-07-2014, 12:52 PM
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About 40 years ago in california, I had a friend that wanted to obey the law. He had been out shooting with his .45 auto. His bad was driving a van. At that time and probley yet if you have a gun in your vehicle it has to be unloaded and the ammo stored in a separate compartment, normally, the trunk. Rick didnt have a trunk in his van. He had the pistol laying on the passenger seat unloaded. He stopped to a drive in for eats. The window girl seen the gun and called the SD. Rick got stopped down the road, arrested and spent a few days in the hoosegow as he had no bail money.
I am not sure of all the details but know he had guns after that as we went out shooting.
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04-07-2014, 05:16 PM
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Here's what I do. In FL I am not required to inform and won't unless asked to get out of the vehicle--at which point the truth be told. Having said that, I've never been asked to get out of a vehicle by any LEO in any state.
In other states, rather than try to memorize what each requires, I will inform upon being stopped. But first they have to catch me!
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04-07-2014, 05:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SMSgt
Here's what I do. In FL I am not required to inform and won't unless asked to get out of the vehicle--at which point the truth be told. Having said that, I've never been asked to get out of a vehicle by any LEO in any state.
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In Colorado Springs if they ask you to get out you are going to be patted down, so I would inform at that point.
I still wouldn't say " I have a gun" I would just hand them my permit and say "I need to give you this before I get out."
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04-07-2014, 06:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by smokindog
I respectively disagree with clarity of the uniform and badge and I'll add vehicle as identification. This is a rapidly growing "scam" around the country. I'd be wary, especially out and away from any other people/activity. Sorry, I'm just suspicious these days. I guess I've finally completed my life long transition to my Dad, and I'm proud of it
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I have absolutely no problem with what you said. Agree, in fact.
Just making the point that there has to be clear ID by LEO and they ask for your ID before you share (in SC).
However, you are speaking valid points!
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04-07-2014, 07:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snubbyfan
Check the laws in your state. In West Virginia, we're not required to inform the officer during a traffic stop.
Handgunlaw.us
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WV is also a open carry so you don't need a CC.
Quote:
Originally Posted by topbrass
In Michigan the person who owns the vehicle their license plate will tell the LEO when him/her runs the plate that you are a CPL/CCW holder before they stop you. When they do pull you over you MUST tell them that you are a CPL/CCW holder and where your hardware is if on you. I think all states should do this for not only your safe being but also the LEO.
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Both myself and my wife have a CC so they know we could have a firearm as it shows up when they run our license.
I carry IWB most of the time so in order for me to get my wallet I have to reach close to my firearm. I would rather let them know first before they see it and maybe go into theatrics.
My theory wherever I'm at is keep my hands on the wheel until the LEO comes to the window and start's his speech. Then Let him know I have a firearm and will have to reach into my back pocket to retrieve my wallet. What do you want me to do. Here they run the serial number a lot on firearms so they may want to see it not sure if they do It if you have a CC though. I hear them run the numbers a lot on the scanner and I hear dispatch tell them if a resident has a permit.
I don't like giving free information out about anything I'm carrying but would rather let them know in advance then catch a glimpse of it. I've seen plenty of videos where some LEO go into theatrics when they find a firearm one threatened to shoot the person carrying and that he would get away with it he thought. This LEO didn't even give the person carrying a chance to tell him, he kept telling the guy to shut up. Bottom line is obey the state you are in law's and do what you feel is right.
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04-08-2014, 07:34 PM
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I don't anymore. In Indiana, there's no duty to inform. I was upfront with the officer, was disarmed and treated with open hostility.
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04-08-2014, 09:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gdnagle
WV is also a open carry so you don't need a CC.
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Ohio and Pennsylvania are both open carry states, but in BOTH you need a license in order carry in a vehicle, and in Philadelphia, you need a license to carry AT ALL.
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04-08-2014, 09:47 PM
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I don't care what state you're in, IF you have a gun on your hip and a billfold with your driver's license in that same hip pocket, and it were me - I'd be informing the officer before I go reaching for anything!
Been there, done that, and it saved a WHOLE lotta trouble!
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Last edited by Kentucky Dave; 04-08-2014 at 09:49 PM.
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04-08-2014, 09:56 PM
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I "always" inform the officer than i am carrying from the moment we make contact. It doesnt matter if im carrying on me or if my weapon is just in my truck somewhere. I inform the officer simply because i have nothing to hide from him and I cont care if he wants to search because as I said i have nothing to hide.
Of all times ive been stopped. I've honestly never had an officer take my weapon into his possession during the stop. Most of the time they just tell me thanks for informing them. And usually, i'm let free with a verbal warning to not speed. It may not be the law to inform the officer in all states. But IMO, it cant hurt to let him know. That is as long as u have nothing to hide. And if u have something to hide, i'd hope u arent carrying. And i surely hope u arent dumb enough to tell the officer u have a weapon.
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04-09-2014, 10:50 PM
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Here's how I do it, every time, wherever I am.
Windows down, interior lights on, hands on the steering wheel.
When the Officer approach's - "I apologize for making you stop Officer, I'm an off duty Police Officer (or CCW holder) and I'm armed with a 1911 on my right side, my ID is in my left rear pocket, what would like for me to do".
Years ago when I drove a B&W, I saw more than one person do this for me, I was always appreciative of the courtesy.
Regardless of the law, let them in on your status (carrying), it goes a long way.
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04-09-2014, 11:53 PM
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Traffic stop
In Michigan the person who owns the vehicle their license plate will tell the LEO when him/her runs the plate that you are a CPL/CCW holder before they stop you.
Since I am the owner of 3 vehicles, a big thing to remember is to make sure your kids know the proper behavior if they are pulled over.
In our family, any of the plates will come back as a CPL holder. I've made sure our boys understand the officer will already be tipped off about a weapon by running the plate so they are to follow safe procedures even though they don't have a gun.
Lad
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04-10-2014, 08:50 AM
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Here in Mississippi, the Firearms Permit is keyed to the Driver's License so the officer likely already knows by the time he gets to your vehicle. While there is no requirement to inform, I have long since decided that if stopped and am armed (the most likely scenario), I will follow Mas Ayoub's advice: window down, dome light on (if at night), hands at top center of steering wheel and tell the officer,"I am armed with permit, how do you want to proceed?" It just seems like a common courtesy and a way to let him know that I don't intend to be confrontational or pose a threat. Like other posters, though, I've become more attentive to speed laws and driving courtesies. I'd just as soon not draw LE attention that might provoke a stop. The only time I've had to reveal was in the aftermath of an accident in which my car was hit. The city policeman told me to retrieve the firearm from the disabled car "but try to be discreet -- let's not alarm the others."
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04-11-2014, 06:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shouldazagged
Respectfully inform the officer that you have a concealed carry license, that there is a gun in the car, and where in the vehicle or on your person it can be found. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and obey instructions to the letter.
Understandably, LEO's don't like surprises. I wouldn't in their situation.
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This is great advice. In SC we are obligated to inform the officer. If I was in their shoes I would want to know. I was on the way back from my hunting lease last fall and was stopped for speeding. I got my license and registration out and handed them to the patrolman and informed him that I had a CWP and was carrying. He very politely asked where I had it and I told him. He said that was fine but to keep my hands on the steering wheel when he came back from writing me up. I had no problems except my ticket. In my experience SC law enforcement is very professional and easy to deal with if you are not an idiot. Note to you Yankees. Stay up North and don't screw the South up.
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04-11-2014, 08:53 PM
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In Florida you don't have to legally say anything. With that said I've been pulled over on a few ocassions. The first thing the officer asks is "is there any weapons in the vehicle?" I say yes one in my pocket and one in the center console. One cop said you have 2 weapons in the vehicle? I felt like saying "wow you can add."
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04-12-2014, 09:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kentucky Dave
I don't care what state you're in, IF you have a gun on your hip and a billfold with your driver's license in that same hip pocket, and it were me - I'd be informing the officer before I go reaching for anything!
Been there, done that, and it saved a WHOLE lotta trouble!
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I keep my registration and proof of insurance above the passenger side sun visor so that I don't have to go in the glove box, where my pistol usually is.
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04-12-2014, 09:33 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cmort666
I keep my registration and proof of insurance above the passenger side sun visor so that I don't have to go in the glove box, where my pistol usually is.
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Probably a pretty good idea.......
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04-13-2014, 03:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cmort666
I keep my registration and proof of insurance above the passenger side sun visor so that I don't have to go in the glove box, where my pistol usually is.
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My registration is on the driver's side visor stuck in the vanity mirror that I never use - no need to even reach across the car. Proof of insurance card is behind the driver's license in the wallet - they come out together. No muss, no fuss, no extra moves. Hands stay visible to officer until he's at the window, and then I tell him where I am reaching and what for. No need to be rummaging around in the car as he walks up, wondering if you are reaching for paperwork, or something that will hurt him.
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04-13-2014, 04:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by topbrass
In Michigan the person who owns the vehicle their license plate will tell the LEO when him/her runs the plate that you are a CPL/CCW holder before they stop you. When they do pull you over you MUST tell them that you are a CPL/CCW holder and where your hardware is if on you. I think all states should do this for not only your safe being but also the LEO.
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This means that the state has all gun owners with a permit registered the next thing that will happen from that kind of law is confiscation kinda one reason why I don't like have a permit to begin with but at least it only allows me to carry but not list the weapon or weapons I can carry!
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04-13-2014, 05:48 PM
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Regardless as to whether your State has a duty to inform or not, the best policy is to let the officer know up front when they as for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. The best way to do that is to say, "I will comply but for your safety and mine, I am licensed to carry and I am carrying. How would you like to proceed."
Never mention gun, firearm, or pistol. There maybe a partner coming up on the other side that just hears "gun" and freaks. That statement will inform the officer, disarm any potential nastiness, and keep you from getting shot.
All while staying the vehicle with your hands in plain sight on the steering wheel or dash. Don't go rummaging for anything while waiting for the officer and pull over as far to the right as you can. The little things help and depending on the reason for the stop, you might just get off with a warning or a "be careful and have a nice day."
The officer is the one in control and just wants to get home like everyone else. As long as they are doing their job in accordance with the law and the Constitution, there is no reason to give them a hard time. As long as you are polite and respectful, things should go easy and you will be on your way. Act pissy and rude and they will start looking for things.
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04-13-2014, 08:14 PM
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Of course check your state law.
The LEOs I know (including a State Trooper family member) do appreciate being told you're packing.
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04-13-2014, 10:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sgtsandman
Regardless as to whether your State has a duty to inform or not, the best policy is to let the officer know up front.
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So exactly why is this the the best policy?
I am a firm believer that the less information I give the police on the side of the road, the better off I am. All unnecessarily informing the officer that I am armed does is extend the time I’m going to be sitting on the side of the road.
If I’m not a threat to the officer, telling him I’m armed is moot and if I am a threat I’m not going to tell him I’m armed anyway.
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04-13-2014, 11:04 PM
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Well, for one, in some States it's a crime if you don't and they find out. Two, there have been instances where things have gotten way out of hand on the officer's part when they do find out even if you were not wrong in not telling him in States where a duty to inform in not required.
Granted, there are anti-gun cops out there who will make life miserable for you regardless but why encourage the situation? And then, it is in them to prove they were justified in their actions.
The majority of the Officers that I have hand an opportunity to speak with, want us to have guns. They can be everywhere all the time and usually arrive at the crime scene just in time to clean up the mess.
Granted, not every State is like that; or even every city. New Jersey has made the news recently about how some of their officers have treated concealed carry holders and cities like Philadelphia are known for the same. Most officers take their oath seriously though and should be given that consideration.
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04-13-2014, 11:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sgtsandman
Well, for one, in some States it's a crime if you don't and they find out.
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10 actually, and in one of them there is no penatly for failing to inform. To put it another way 4 out of 5 state legistiaures don't agree with you that informing the cop you are armed is important, if they did they'd pass a law.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sgtsandman
Two, there have been instances where things have gotten way out of hand on the officer's part when they do find out even if you were not wrong in not telling him in States where a duty to inform in not required.
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Not really a common occurrence though and usually precipitated by the carrier making a dumb mistake. Do you think it would be reasonable for a cop notices that there’s a gun in my car (not that I’m reaching for, just one that’s there) to give me an earful of Glock without asking me what’s up?
In the course of a normal traffic stop (you weren’t asked to step out of the car or searched) there’s no real reason for the cop to even note that you have a firearm in the car.
If I’m asked to step out of the car , I’m specifically asked if I have weapons in the car or I’m in a jurisdiction that requires it I’ll inform.
Beyond that it’s irrelevant to the stop.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sgtsandman
Most officers take their oath seriously though and should be given that consideration.
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Where's my consideration?
Again, if I’m not a threat the fact that I’m armed is irrelevant if I am a threat I’m not going to tell them.
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04-13-2014, 11:35 PM
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I'm in Ohio a lot, which is a duty to inform State, it's better to just do it all the time. That is just my opinion.
There have been instances where the person who was pulled over was a dummy and things got ugly and there have been times where the person wasn't carrying and were harassed for it anyway. One could go all over the spectrum with this.
As far as your consideration, generally you get it when you give the officer consideration. Most will greatly appreciate you being up front and forth coming and will be much more relaxed. Most officers know that those who have a license are rarely ever a problem because the person with the license doesn't want to do anything to lose it.
Officers are forced by the nature of their job to view every stop as potential threat. By informing the officer and giving him respect and consideration, you will remove that. So, it all comes back around to you getting respect and consideration. Chances are, a person like you and I are being pulled over for a burnt out tail light or a minor traffic violation. Not a big deal but to the officer just walking up to your window, it could become a big deal in a hurry. Like you and I, they want to go home to their family and just have a nice, quiet day on the job. What would it hurt to give them a little courtesy? Chances are, you will get it right back. Just my two cents.
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