An organization my wife and I belong to has scheduled an event in Greenville, SC so this will be the first time travelling to a state that doesn't accept my Alabama CHL. My primary concern is the possibility of being profiled by South Carolina law enforcement due to having an Alabama license plate and NRA and other pro-Second Amendment decals and on my vehicle (small SUV). Has anyone from Alabama or another non-reciprocated state experienced any issues while driving there?
The reason for my concern is that, according to the NRA-ILA, both SLED and SCSA opposed H. 3025, which was to be a true Right-to-Carry recognition bill (Reference: www.nraila.org/articles/20160309/south-carolina-hearing-for-important-carry-bills-canceled). If the major SC law enforcement agencies are opposed to such legislation, then I wonder if they also apply special scrutiny to residents of non-reciprocated states who are visiting. Determining if a driver has a CHL or CCW permit would simply require them to run the license plate number.
It appears that, according to SECTION 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun; exceptions, I would be able to lock my handgun in a secured glove compartment or a fastened container before entering SC, however to avoid any possible complications, I've decided not to do so and will leave my handgun at home.
In the event that I would have to defend myself, I will have to rely on pepper spray and a tac light. But even that is regulated - I will have to leave my standard two and four ounce OC pepper sprays at home and order a special smaller 50 cc (approximately 1.8 oz) in order to carry OC defensive spray in South Carolina. I haven't checked yet, but I sure hope the length or lumen output of my tac light isn't regulated by SC law.
In order to keep a lower profile, I also plan to remove my NRA and pro-2A decals before entering the state - wise or unnecessary? Please, I don't want to turn this into a general pro/con discussion of the wisdom of having NRA/pro-2A decals on vehicles as that has been thoroughly discussed in the forum. What I'm looking for are opinions and advice specific to my circumstance. I'm having an extremely difficult time with this decision.
Thanks in advance for your reply.
The reason for my concern is that, according to the NRA-ILA, both SLED and SCSA opposed H. 3025, which was to be a true Right-to-Carry recognition bill (Reference: www.nraila.org/articles/20160309/south-carolina-hearing-for-important-carry-bills-canceled). If the major SC law enforcement agencies are opposed to such legislation, then I wonder if they also apply special scrutiny to residents of non-reciprocated states who are visiting. Determining if a driver has a CHL or CCW permit would simply require them to run the license plate number.
It appears that, according to SECTION 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun; exceptions, I would be able to lock my handgun in a secured glove compartment or a fastened container before entering SC, however to avoid any possible complications, I've decided not to do so and will leave my handgun at home.
In the event that I would have to defend myself, I will have to rely on pepper spray and a tac light. But even that is regulated - I will have to leave my standard two and four ounce OC pepper sprays at home and order a special smaller 50 cc (approximately 1.8 oz) in order to carry OC defensive spray in South Carolina. I haven't checked yet, but I sure hope the length or lumen output of my tac light isn't regulated by SC law.
In order to keep a lower profile, I also plan to remove my NRA and pro-2A decals before entering the state - wise or unnecessary? Please, I don't want to turn this into a general pro/con discussion of the wisdom of having NRA/pro-2A decals on vehicles as that has been thoroughly discussed in the forum. What I'm looking for are opinions and advice specific to my circumstance. I'm having an extremely difficult time with this decision.
Thanks in advance for your reply.