When you Carry,

[Saito100]

When you carry, and lets say you are pulled over for a traffic violation, or any other reason, do you inform the officer up front, or hand him you CCW permit along with your drivers license? Do you just tell him first chance?

I will be applying for my carry permit soon, and was wondering. I also am a Vet, and have heard that if you present a DD214 you can forgo the CCW class. (I think I would take it anyway) Is that true?

Sorry for the newbie questions, but heck I am a newbie!

 

[OFT]

When you carry, and lets say you are pulled over for a traffic violation, or any other reason, do you inform the officer up front, or hand him you CCW permit along with your drivers license? Do you just tell him first chance?

I will be applying for my carry permit soon, and was wondering. I also am a Vet, and have heard that if you present a DD214 you can forgo the CCW class. (I think I would take it anyway) Is that true?

Sorry for the newbie questions, but heck I am a newbie!

It all depends on the state that you are getting the license in.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Check with your state agency that issues the licenses, they should be able to answer all your questions.
Since you don't list which state you're in, it's hard for anyone to give you legal information for your particular state.
Good luck, and welcome to the Forum.

 

[Saito100]

Check with your state agency that issues the licenses, they should be able to answer all your questions.
Since you don't list which state you're in, it's hard for anyone to give you legal information for your particular state.
Good luck, and welcome to the Forum.

Sorry, I guess that would help with an answer! Florida is the state.

 

[Chipmunk6]

Howdy Saito
Welcome aboard.......
What i did was tape my permit to
my drivers lic, so they get both
at the same time. Easier for me
to keep track of too.

Chipmunk6

 

[Vanilla Gorilla]

None of the above. He don't need to know.

 

[Saito100]

None of the above. He don't need to know.

I agree, no one needs to know, but here is my point.

I am 60, and in pretty good shape. BUT, with the medications I am on, if I miss or am late with a dosage, my driving may make it appear that I am a DUI candidate! This has only happened maybe twice in the last 5 years, but if a law enforcement officer pulls me over, to check it out, and notices the piece under a shirt, I don't need to be thrown on my hood, pepper sprayed, tasered, or worse shot if he over reacts! I kind of thought it may be more of a courtesy to the police if this happened.

 

[cmort666]

When you carry, and lets say you are pulled over for a traffic violation, or any other reason, do you inform the officer up front, or hand him you CCW permit along with your drivers license? Do you just tell him first chance?

I will be applying for my carry permit soon, and was wondering. I also am a Vet, and have heard that if you present a DD214 you can forgo the CCW class. (I think I would take it anyway) Is that true?

Sorry for the newbie questions, but heck I am a newbie!

In Ohio, you have to inform if you're carrying. It's not optional. It's a crime if you don't.

If you're not carrying, you don't have to inform, and I wouldn't.

 

[Vanilla Gorilla]

I agree, no one needs to know, but here is my point.

I am 60, and in pretty good shape. BUT, with the medications I am on, if I miss or am late with a dosage, my driving may make it appear that I am a DUI candidate! This has only happened maybe twice in the last 5 years, but if a law enforcement officer pulls me over, to check it out, and notices the piece under a shirt, I don't need to be thrown on my hood, pepper sprayed, tasered, or worse shot if he over reacts! I kind of thought it may be more of a courtesy to the police if this happened.

Normally, I would agree. In fact, I used to. I'm a LEO dispatcher, and nobody is more pro-LEO than I am, but....(ain't there always a "but" after something like that?)

Last time I was pulled over, I did my usual routine. With my hands on the wheel, I informed the deputy that I was legally armed, and waited for his direction. His direction, as it came to be, was for him to disarm me and point my own 9mm at my guts, while ordering me out of my car and removing all the items in my possession. Then I was spread eagled on the hood of my car with another deputy directly behind me to keep me from attacking anybody with my toenails (they'd taken everything else) while my firearm was unloaded and the serial numbers run and I was questioned to the tune of, "Why would you need a gun?" After about 20 minutes of this, I got my ticket and went on my way. However, you can bet that I say now that that cop don't need to know anything about whan I'm carrying.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Retired cop here. During my time on the streets I always appreciated it when someone told me they were armed, or had a weapon in the vehicle. My opinion has always been that this was a reasonable and courteous way of doing business. Of course, this requires a reasonable and courteous response from the cop and, as Vanilla Gorilla has pointed out, that is not always the case.

Tough call on this issue. I kind of lean toward the advice in the other posts to simply hand over the permit with the driver's license. Better that the officer knows about it in advance, rather than being surprised by it.

I hope that Vanilla Gorilla made a formal complaint against the deputy involved in the incident described. There is no excuse for such treatment under the circumstances described.

 

[indiandave]

In Pennsylvania the police do not know if you have a LTCF. you do not have to tell them you are carrying. Check with usacarry.com for your state.

 

[Weary]

The best advice, as others have already said, is to check your state laws. They can vary considerably. Even if not required by law, I would inform the officer. I'd rather let them know up front so there isn't an unpleasant surprise for either of us. If they behave unprofessionally then file a formal complaint.

 

[Saito100]

Normally, I would agree. In fact, I used to. I'm a LEO dispatcher, and nobody is more pro-LEO than I am, but....(ain't there always a "but" after something like that?)

Last time I was pulled over, I did my usual routine. With my hands on the wheel, I informed the deputy that I was legally armed, and waited for his direction. His direction, as it came to be, was for him to disarm me and point my own 9mm at my guts, while ordering me out of my car and removing all the items in my possession. Then I was spread eagled on the hood of my car with another deputy directly behind me to keep me from attacking anybody with my toenails (they'd taken everything else) while my firearm was unloaded and the serial numbers run and I was questioned to the tune of, "Why would you need a gun?" After about 20 minutes of this, I got my ticket and went on my way. However, you can bet that I say now that that cop don't need to know anything about whan I'm carrying.

The treatment you received, is exactly what I would be trying to avoid. I assumed that if you gave them the courtesy of letting them know, say, hand them your DL and gun permit they would appreciate it, and treat you with a little respect in return.
Unfourtunatly not all Officers are cut from the same material, and you cannot assume they would all react the same. Who knows, the one officer who over reacts, may have had a piece pulled on him on a traffic stop in the past.

 

[Capt Steve]

I agree, no one needs to know, but here is my point.

BUT, with the medications I am on, if I miss or am late with a dosage, my driving may make it appear that I am a DUI candidate!

This being the case you should not be driving at all. If your driving makes you appear to be a DUI then you are impaired. As far as disclosure about carrying I am in the full disclosure camp but then it is required here in Arizona.

 

[Saito100]

This being the case you should not be driving at all. If your driving makes you appear to be a DUI then you are impaired. As far as disclosure about carrying I am in the full disclosure camp but then it is required here in Arizona.

Capt Steve, I would agree with you 100% about not driving at all, except, you forgot to include the entire quote on what I said, here is the rest of it,,,

"This has only happened maybe twice in the last 5 years"

And I now am more dedicated on my meds, and was only stating a "What If" question, because you never know why you will have to talk to the local, or state police. You could be rear ended, or questioned about an accident you witnessed, etc. not just because your driving was suspicious! I did not intend to start a large debate, just was curious. I will talk to the local authorities and get a idea by what they have to say. I will also look into the local and state regulations as well.

 

[NFrameFred]

If not required - don't say anything.

The exception (for me) would be if I'm asked to exit the vehicle; at that time I would inform the officer that the state has issued me a permit for carry privilege and I am presently exercising that privilege.

 

[Bear Country 88]

Here in Virginia your CCW is linked to your DL. When LE run your DL - they know you have a CCW. I have friends in LE and they all say the same thing - give the officer the CCW along with your DL, and then inform that you're armed, and then ask "what do you want me to do?".

Last time I was pulled over I gave the officer my DL and CCW, stated that I was armed, and asked him "what do you want me to do?"

He asked me "where is the gun?" and I told him it's in the arm rest (while I kept my two hands on the steering wheel). I waited for his instructions, and he said he'd be right back.

5 minute later he gave me my speeding ticket and then informed me that some officers might choose to confiscate the weapon for the duration of the stop. His reasoning: some officers do not like to return to the window knowing the driver has a weapon. He said some drivers get worked up when they realize they're getting a ticket.

I mention that any handling of the weapon increased the likelihood of an AD. He agreed but said he just wanted me to know that some officers might confiscate the weapon for the duration of the stop.

He stated I acted calm and that he noticed I maintained eye contact. He said he chose not to confiscate the gun based on those facts.

It was a good stop (except for the ticket). He told me I should consider going to court because my speed was not all that high, and that they were writing tickets beginning at the speed I was written for. He said of course I could pay if I choose, but I think he was being a good guy in sharing that information.

I went to court, he was there, and I got driving school.

If the officer knows you have a permit before he comes to your window or when he runs your DL - in my opinion it would be best to inform him of that fact, and the fact you're currently armed, and that you'd like him/her to tell you what to do.

 

[NAYTH]

Another retired PO here and here is my opinion for whatever it is worth.

If the state you reside in requires notification, so be it. From my experience, it is a judgment call. The last thing I needed to hear from a courteous driver I pulled over for a simple traffic infraction was him telling me he had a gun! Regardless, it always causes "pucker factor"!

My best advice is use your judgment. If you are pulled over for high-speeding, reckless driving, suspected DUI (G-d help you if you are ever arrested for DUI and CCW-UI at the same time) or any other serious offense, I would advise officer notification as most likely a frisk and search will result.

Other wise, conceal well, be courteous, accept your citation and go on your way. BTW, some states will display the fact that you have a CCW when the officer runs a license check. If you are requested to produce your document and weapon, ask the officer specifically HOW he would like you to proceed. Then follow his directions.

Nayth

 

[Capt Steve]

Capt Steve, I would agree with you 100% about not driving at all, except, you forgot to include the entire quote on what I said, here is the rest of it,,,

"This has only happened maybe twice in the last 5 years"

And I now am more dedicated on my meds, and was only stating a "What If" question, because you never know why you will have to talk to the local, or state police. You could be rear ended, or questioned about an accident you witnessed, etc. not just because your driving was suspicious! I did not intend to start a large debate, just was curious. I will talk to the local authorities and get a idea by what they have to say. I will also look into the local and state regulations as well.

Saito, No offense was intended and hopefully none taken. My point was if your driving gives a LEO the impression that you are impaired you probably are, even if it only happens once. No great debate created here, just another interesting thread. Unlike some here, even if not required by state law, I will always disclose to a LEO if I am carrying. This may cause me some grief if I get a guy having a bad day but I believe that in the long run I will be better off for having been up front.

 

[USAF385]

You know... I've never been pulled over. I guess I just don't drive fast enough....

Or maybe it's the cops who don't drive fast enough........

 

[natnlp8re8]

I dont have my CCL yet, and I stress yet. But here in Nevada I can carry a loaded firearm in a holster as long as it's not conceled by clothing with no permit. I got pulled over in California once after a trip to the range the day before. I notified the officer I had a unloaded handgun in the glovebox and several hundred rounds of ammo in the rear my Jeep. He had me exit the vehicle handcuffed me and patted me down, took an hour to search the car. He gave me two tickets for the traffic violation. One for ilegal transport of a weapon and munitions, because they were both inside the vehicle. He almost gave me a third because the ammo I had was illegal in California. The judge threw out the second based on the make and model of my vehicle. In a Jeep there is no where else to transport the stuff short of strapping it to the roof. Not exactly a pleasnt experience.

 

[Saito100]

Saito, No offense was intended and hopefully none taken. My point was if your driving gives a LEO the impression that you are impaired you probably are, even if it only happens once. No great debate created here, just another interesting thread. Unlike some here, even if not required by state law, I will always disclose to a LEO if I am carrying. This may cause me some grief if I get a guy having a bad day but I believe that in the long run I will be better off for having been up front.

No offense taken, your point was very valid. There have been some great information shared here, and I will continue reading not only the threads here, but our state and local laws. I feel that to disclose up front is the best thing to do, keeping the hands on the wheel, and let the LEO make the next move, and hope he is not having a bad day. I am very interested if Florida links a CCW to the DL, that would solve lots of problems, I think!

 

[Saito100]

You know... I've never been pulled over. I guess I just don't drive fast enough....

Or maybe it's the cops who don't drive fast enough........

OK, I will show my age here, but what the heck! The last ticket I had was in 1970, after returning from Vietnam, got a ticket for doing 90 in a 45 on a sunday morning in my 1966 GTO. OOOPPPPPs!

 

[gunnut2u]

notifying the officer might keep you from getting a gun pointed at you . Nobody likes that kind of surprise. Although , in Missouri , the officer knows when he runs your plate . Not saying that would prevent you from getting a gun pointed at you anyway .

 

[jenlynn724]

My Firearm Safety Course which is required by my state was taught by a retired police officer. He told me not to mention you have a weapon, unless they ask you to step out of the vehicle, then as a courtesy, tell the officer that you have a weapon, and a license to carry it..

 

[EOD Guy]

The requirement to advise LEO and course requirements vary from state-to-state, but here's my thoughts...

Take the course anyway because much of it will cover state law and that was the most informative part of my course since I lived outside of DC at the time and has to deal with Virginia, Federal, Maryland, and DC laws.

My feeling is that, required or not, you score points and put the officer at ease if you're up-front about carrying. In most states he'll know anyway as soon as he runs your license and appreciate that you were up front with him.

 

[2000Z-71]

I'm in the full disclosure camp. I'm not required to declare here in Arizona, but I think it does make for good common sense. I'm more worried about an officer's reaction if he discovers that I am carrying than I am about an officer's reaction if I declare up front that I am carrying. Yes, there is a chance that the officer may over react to the fact that you are carrying. However, there's also the chance that the officer may have a favorable view of permit holders and you'll be on your way with just a warning.

 

[redlevel]

I am in the full disclosure camp but then it is required here in Arizona.

I'm not required to declare here in Arizona

Y'all better get your stories straight.

 

[Lightfoot4]

In North Carolina, you're required to inform the officer. While I've never been stopped while carrying, my wife had a flat tire one night and I switched out cars with her. I was carrying. While changing the tire, a deputy sheriff drove up to help me. I basically told him I have a concealed carry permit and was carrying. He asked to see the permit, then where the firearm was. He helped me change the tire and I was on my way. He was pretty young (looked to be about 12 years old to me), so maybe he hadn't been on the force long enough to get the attitude of the police that stopped Vanilla Gorilla.

 

[FirebirdV8]

Y'all better get your stories straight.

AZ does not require disclosure. My ccw instructor (a former Marine and LEO) taught that disclosure is a courtesy that should be extended. That being said, I feel it depends on the situation and demeanor of the officer. If it is a simple stop and the LEO doesn't seem too excitable, I would mention up front. However, if the LEO is having a bad day, or whatever, and seems upset, if I don't have to get out of the car, I'm not going to tell. That, of course, is just me though.