Duty to inform?

Joined
Jul 23, 2005
Messages
32,877
Reaction score
58,983
Location
NC
Anyone know what States you need to inform the police that you're carrying during a traffic stop or otherwise?
NY is not one of them.
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Here in Ohio it is required...

Lawriter - ORC - 2923.126 Duties of licensed individual.
Duties of licensed individual
If a licensee is the driver or an occupant of a motor vehicle that is stopped as the result of a traffic stop or a stop for another law enforcement purpose and if the licensee is transporting or has a loaded handgun in the motor vehicle at that time, the licensee shall promptly inform any law enforcement officer who approaches the vehicle while stopped that the licensee has been issued a license or temporary emergency license to carry a concealed handgun and that the licensee currently possesses or has a loaded handgun.
 
In OK, failure to notify is a misdemeanor, which can be anything from a ticket to confiscating the gun and a court date, depending on circumstances.

Some states, like Kansas, require you to produce a license if the officer asks. Since they always ask if you have any weapons, I just show the license up front if contacted.
 
A recent CCW class I attended had a portion taught by a ME state trooper. We were told there is no obligation to inform a LEO that you are carrying.

The officer said, however, that it was prudent to do so. This is because it raises the officer's comfort level when one does so. He also said:

1. DO NOT immediately start reaching the the glove box, your purse or for your wallet. Plenty of time for that after the cop gets to the car.
2. Keep your hands in sight.
3. If at night, turn on the dome light in the car before the officer approaches, so that he/she can see what's in the car.
4. And last, "Officer I have a concealed firearm permit and have a pistol behind my right hip," or in the glove box, one's purse, etc.

The name of the game is survival, for the cop and for you. :)
 
Last edited:
While it may not be required , I'm sure it would be greatly appreciated by the officer. Might even mean the difference between a warning , and a ticket.

I've often noticed the next question after "license , registration and proof of insurance , please?" is "are you carrying and drugs or guns?"

I always hand over my LTCF along with my D/L reg & ins cards when I'm carrying and inform the officer that I'm carrying legal.

Most cops seem to be put at ease by yer honesty.
Others seem to go into tactical mode.
 
Most cops seem to be put at ease by yer honesty.
Others seem to go into tactical mode.
I don't see any reason to gamble. If the cop doesn't ask he doesn't care. He's just writing you a ticket and you can go on your way.
 
There is no duty to inform here in Missouri. The following is the general recommendation I give my students for handling a traffic stop. Notice that I neither advocate that they arbitrarily inform, or that they arbitrarily do not inform. Only they can make that decision as they deem appropriate at that moment:

If or when you are stopped, you should pull over as far as you can to the side of the road, turn your radio off, turn the vehicle off, place both hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them, and await instructions from the officer. If it is dark outside, turn your dome light on so the officer can see into the vehicle as he or she approaches. The time to be fidgeting around looking for your license or insurance card is NOT while you are waiting for the officer to approach your vehicle. Once the officer makes contact with you, he or she will then let you know how they want you to proceed. Remember to avoid making statements that could seem potentially threatening like “I HAVE A GUN”, or making a move to reach for a wallet or other papers that happens to be near where you are carrying your firearm. Remember to be courteous and polite. Like you, the police officer just wants to go home safe at the end of the day.
 
Tennessee = No Required Notification

Correct, but I travel to other states so I got in the habit; if I am stopped I show the officer my carry permit along with my DL. If it is dark I do like cschoff and turn on the dome light and put both hands on the steering wheel. I don't have anything to hide and I don't want to make the officer nervous. If nothing else maybe it prevents me from being bright lighted with one of those gazillion candlepower lights.

I also don't get rude with the officer even if I think he is wrong. Speaking as a former officer I know there is no telling what he may of just dealt with. If i can can show common courtesy maybe it will ease things for both of us.
 
Correct, but I travel to other states so I got in the habit; if I am stopped I show the officer my carry permit along with my DL. If it is dark I do like cschoff and turn on the dome light and put both hands on the steering wheel. I don't have anything to hide and I don't want to make the officer nervous. If nothing else maybe it prevents me from being bright lighted with one of those gazillion candlepower lights.

I also don't get rude with the officer even if I think he is wrong. Speaking as a former officer I know there is no telling what he may of just dealt with. If i can can show common courtesy maybe it will ease things for both of us.

I figure the loose rounds and empty brass rolling out onto the ground when I open the door of my pickup is notification enough. :D

I don't do the 10/2 steering wheel thing, but I hand over both my DL and HCP at the same time. I've only been pulled over once in Tennessee and the cop never mentioned a thing about it.

Absolutely, I think being polite is key to a less than eventful stop. If the cop is being polite, be polite in return. If the cop is being a jerk, be polite in return. In all other circumstances, be polite.

My policy is to comply with all orders and deny requests--

May I search you car? = No sir, you do not have my permission.

Get out of the car now I am going to search this vehicle = Yes sir.
 
Last edited:
Youse guys must look shady :p, I haven't been stopped in over 20 years. :)................................................................... Then again, I never leave my block :p
 
What about carrying per LEOSA, I feel like a jerk producing my retired ID. In years past I carrried a pistol in the glove compartment, when asked or the registration I then informed the officer that I have a gun in the glove compartment with the registration. Twice this has happened, twice they asked for a permit and I produced my retired Id card. Twice I didn't get a ticket I deserved. That isnt right, I don't mind telling the officer I have a gun, but I don't want any special treatment.
 
Back
Top