jimmyraythomason
Member
Personally,if they don't ask,I don't tell and so far none have asked(I don't get stopped but about once per decade).
How do you tell cops you're armed in traffic stop?
- Thread starter johntaylorny
- Start date
- Status
xcgates
Member
I don't really know for sure, because a) I don't have a concealed carry permit, and b) the only time I've been pulled over was when I was 17 and driving my grandpa's car in a different state (knock on wood).
I would imagine it would go the same as it went the last time: Turn off car, keep hands on the wheel, and be polite. If there is a duty to inform, or it is likely he will see the gun when reaching for license/registration (a little bit of self-preservation, I wouldn't want to have him think I'm reaching for the gun, but if there is no duty to inform, and my actions wouldn't expose a gun, no reason to inform).
And if I am on the bike, I'd remove the key after stopping, and drop it on the ground, as there are enough problems with guys on bikes attempting to run. Afterwords, I'd probably inform, because any pistol would be hidden under my riding gear, probably near where I'd have to go for my license/registration.
In other words, be polite, don't argue with the cop, you won't get anywhere arguing with the frontline guy, as much as it may piss you off inside.
I would imagine it would go the same as it went the last time: Turn off car, keep hands on the wheel, and be polite. If there is a duty to inform, or it is likely he will see the gun when reaching for license/registration (a little bit of self-preservation, I wouldn't want to have him think I'm reaching for the gun, but if there is no duty to inform, and my actions wouldn't expose a gun, no reason to inform).
And if I am on the bike, I'd remove the key after stopping, and drop it on the ground, as there are enough problems with guys on bikes attempting to run. Afterwords, I'd probably inform, because any pistol would be hidden under my riding gear, probably near where I'd have to go for my license/registration.
In other words, be polite, don't argue with the cop, you won't get anywhere arguing with the frontline guy, as much as it may piss you off inside.
cassandrasdaddy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2006
- Messages
- 4,206
because any pistol would be hidden under my riding gear, probably near where I'd have to go for my license/registration.
good advice! i remember zen and the art of motorcycle riding
1) the man has a gun
2) he has some sort of at least limited permission to use it
3) he might have had a bad day
i used to ride like a fool got some spectacular tickets.i usually tried to put the bike on at least the side stand before they got to me but stayed on the bike. i knew the cop was likely a lil adrenal charged from going so fast and got pulled off my bike once would hate to drop it. i was too lil to get some my bikes on my centerstand with out a lot of heaving from off the bike. always got my guns back with out a bunch of nonsense
good advice! i remember zen and the art of motorcycle riding
1) the man has a gun
2) he has some sort of at least limited permission to use it
3) he might have had a bad day
i used to ride like a fool got some spectacular tickets.i usually tried to put the bike on at least the side stand before they got to me but stayed on the bike. i knew the cop was likely a lil adrenal charged from going so fast and got pulled off my bike once would hate to drop it. i was too lil to get some my bikes on my centerstand with out a lot of heaving from off the bike. always got my guns back with out a bunch of nonsense
X-Rap
Member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2006
- Messages
- 6,657
I keep my ins./reg. in the overhead console and try to keep my wallet on the dash but can usually get it while I'm pulling over.
I pull far off the road if possible and have been thanked by troopers for the courtesy even when they gave me a ticket.
Since I don't keep my gun with my paperwork I don't inform them of a gun nor do I hand them my permit. If for some reason I was asked to get out of the car I would certainly inform them before complying.
Keep your window down and hands on the wheel until the cop is at the door and then be courteous and keep your hands in view.
When you travel to other states it is your responsibility to know the other states laws. Just because your state and the one your visiting has reciprocity doesn't mean the laws are the same.
I pull far off the road if possible and have been thanked by troopers for the courtesy even when they gave me a ticket.
Since I don't keep my gun with my paperwork I don't inform them of a gun nor do I hand them my permit. If for some reason I was asked to get out of the car I would certainly inform them before complying.
Keep your window down and hands on the wheel until the cop is at the door and then be courteous and keep your hands in view.
When you travel to other states it is your responsibility to know the other states laws. Just because your state and the one your visiting has reciprocity doesn't mean the laws are the same.
ForumSurfer
Member
Sam1911 that is part of my reasoning, too.
I’m not an LEO so take what I say with a grain of salt. You didn’t sound confrontational so I wouldn’t take it as such. It’s a sound question.
Some people I’ve talked with (LEO included) seem to not hear what you’re saying to them. That’s why I like to announce the presence of a gun in the situation off the bat, they’ll no doubt hear that. If he didn’t run my license plate or I am driving another person's vehicle, the fact that I am a CHP holder may escape him. He may see me having a sidearm the wrong way. Whether I am in the right or not, I don’t particularly like being harassed so I find it best to announce it up front. It’s strictly my opinion. My reason for announcing I have a weapon is to cover my southern most end.
As for why I would like to know of a CW if I were an officer…unfortunately, many people (some chp holders included) are irresponsible and careless. We’ve all read stories that anti-ccw types use to attempt to hammer their points home. While those of us on this board are likely to be careful and observant, there are those who aren’t. If some guy reaches into his pocket and retrieves a shiny .380 with that “deer in the headlights” look because he forgot it was there , that could make for a tense situation. I’ve seen a guy drop a $1000 1911 at the gas pump upon exiting his vehicle because of a cheap holster. Suppose he steps out of the car at the officer’s request and the same thing happens. He could automatically reach for it and a rookie cop could take that the wrong way. There’s always “that guy” who handles his weapon carelessly, the last thing I would want is for him to fumble for his license, produce a handgun, sweep me with the muzzle and say “oh yeah, I have a permit for that.”
But again, none of this matters much for me because in my state I have to announce that I am a CHP holder, so let me state that I obey my local laws since we have a local LEO on this post.
CajunBass
Member
I play it by ear. We don't have to inform here, but a couple of times I've handed over my D/L and my CHP at the same time. They handed the CHP back in a couplel of seconds without comment both times.
Other times at routine D/L checkpoints, I just hand them D/L and guns were never mentioned by either of us.
Other times at routine D/L checkpoints, I just hand them D/L and guns were never mentioned by either of us.
There is no duty to inform in Georgia so I don't. If I were in a state where it was required I would do so at the earliest oppurtunity. I'm with the pull over, turn off the ignition key, turn dome light on, & place hands in plain sight on steering wheel crowd. I don't see where there is anything to be gained by alarming an officer. If he asks I will be truthful. If asked to exit the vehicle or if for some reason I have to reach anywhere near where my firearm is located I will inform the officer before doing so. I have seen enough cops that acted on edge & scared I'm not going to do anything to alarm them any farther if I can help it.
Exactly...which is why I tend to keep my yapper shut and just hand 'em my CHP on TOP of my DL-reading tends to make one focus more-you can inform in print just as well (better, actually) as you can verbally. If the LEO "seems to not hear what you're saying to them", there's a chance they may hear only part of it-usually the GUN part!
I'm hoping you never use the word GUN when you announce the presence of a gun?
If not, you might wanna rethink this one?
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
ForumSurfer,
Thanks for the thoughts.
Without being contrarian at all, I'll say the first thing that your suggestions in paragraph 3 (regarding careless "deer-in-the-headlights" CHL holders) made pop into my head was -- if you do any of those things, remembering to politely and calmly notify the nice officer of your carry weapon is going to be a hit-or-miss thing, too.
But I see your point. For the chronically hopeless among us, every little bit helps!
Perhaps this is a case where taking a hard look at yourself, your habits, and your kit would be beneficial in determining how you should handle this -- ahead of time.
Thanks for the thoughts.
Without being contrarian at all, I'll say the first thing that your suggestions in paragraph 3 (regarding careless "deer-in-the-headlights" CHL holders) made pop into my head was -- if you do any of those things, remembering to politely and calmly notify the nice officer of your carry weapon is going to be a hit-or-miss thing, too.
But I see your point. For the chronically hopeless among us, every little bit helps!
Perhaps this is a case where taking a hard look at yourself, your habits, and your kit would be beneficial in determining how you should handle this -- ahead of time.
The widows on my truck are blacked out so the first thing I do is roll all my windows down before he/she ever starts to approach my truck and not really because I have to but it makes them more comfortable which in turns puts them in a better mood. I don't move around and dig through my truck I just sit there with my hands either on the wheel or on my drivers side door window. After the greeting I will inform them that I have a CCL and there is a loaded gun in the truck. They usually always just ask where at in the vehicle then they say not to touch it at all just leave it alone. If you have the option of Veterans plates I highly recommend getting them also they help more than you would know in getting you out of tickets lol.
ny32182
Member
If it were not required by my state I wouldn't do it. It is one of those things from which no good will result, for me at least. For people who drop their gun if they stand up or "accidentally" pull it out of their pocket at a traffic stop, I guess different rules apply, but I don't do either of those.
The whole concept of "for officer safety" is ridiculous.
1) If I am a criminal intent on shooting a cop, I'm not going to verbally inform him of that fact. I'm a criminal, remember? I don't obey the law.
2) Since I'm not, everyone is safer with the gun in the holster.
3) I don't keep my DL/registration/etc near the gun, so there is zero chance of it getting exposed during a traffic stop. Especially in my case since I'm left handed, and the gun is behind my left hip... I'd say there is a solid 95% chance I could even be OCing and not have it noticed. Especially if I were in a higher truck instead of a car.
I've been pulled over four times while carrying... most of the SC cops seem to agree with #2 above, since 3/4 of those, the response was "fine", and that was the end of it. On the other one, I did the "step out of the car, turn around, let me retrieve the gun, run the serial number, etc". Let me tell you if you have never been that situation: It is not a good thing. The cops here have G22s; I had a G19, so I'm relatively confident in his ability to unload the G19 safely. However, it is still a situation where you have your back to a guy you don't know who is attempting to unload a gun he may or may not be familiar with, and you have no clue what is going on or where that muzzle is pointed. NO ONE is being made safer in this situation... I assure you. Quite the opposite.
The whole concept of "for officer safety" is ridiculous.
1) If I am a criminal intent on shooting a cop, I'm not going to verbally inform him of that fact. I'm a criminal, remember? I don't obey the law.
2) Since I'm not, everyone is safer with the gun in the holster.
3) I don't keep my DL/registration/etc near the gun, so there is zero chance of it getting exposed during a traffic stop. Especially in my case since I'm left handed, and the gun is behind my left hip... I'd say there is a solid 95% chance I could even be OCing and not have it noticed. Especially if I were in a higher truck instead of a car.
I've been pulled over four times while carrying... most of the SC cops seem to agree with #2 above, since 3/4 of those, the response was "fine", and that was the end of it. On the other one, I did the "step out of the car, turn around, let me retrieve the gun, run the serial number, etc". Let me tell you if you have never been that situation: It is not a good thing. The cops here have G22s; I had a G19, so I'm relatively confident in his ability to unload the G19 safely. However, it is still a situation where you have your back to a guy you don't know who is attempting to unload a gun he may or may not be familiar with, and you have no clue what is going on or where that muzzle is pointed. NO ONE is being made safer in this situation... I assure you. Quite the opposite.
ForumSurfer
Member
I've always assumed I was required to notify the officer verbally, and I thought I had read that somewhere. Here's my state's statute:
I guess I could get away with just handing the document over on top of my license, as that technically would be informing him/her. I just have a preference of verbally announcing I have a CHP and a weapon before anything gets said or before answering any questions.
Okay, my fault. I typed gun without thinking. My exact words are "I have a concealed handgun permit (since that's what it says across the top) and I do (or don't) have a concealed weapon on me."
Yep, agreed. That's why I try to make as many hits as possible on the subject so the LEO is aware. It's just my preference to do so and I've never really paid much attention to it since I don't get pulled over often. I've seen a nervous rookie officer in action when I set off a silent bank alarm on a Friday night while working. Long story, but a manager had altered the routine without notifying the bank's HQ so I set it off inadvertently. After seeing that LEO nervous and his reactions
, I'd prefer not to make anyone in his shoes that nervous again.ForumSurfer
Member
Maybe I'm playing the devil's advocate here, because I really don't like anyone knowing that I have a CHP or a concealed handgun. I'm not criticizing anyone who says you should do otherwise during a traffic stop, I'm just stating why I think the LEO should be notified.
True, but they don't always jump straight out and start shooting. Sometimes it's a non-felon who only attacks once he feels threatened. The officer knows more about the situation when he knows there is a gun, and situational awareness is a key part of survival.
Let me illustrate it with a theoretical situation...even though I hate those. . Suppose you’re an LEO. Suppose you’re on a dark, lonely country 2 lane. You pull over a guy that is argumentative and verbally very upset with you from the get go, and he is completely within his rights. You had good, sound reasoning for pulling him over. Now let’s say you ask for his License and registration. He tells you this is his mom’s car at this point so your plate check didn’t reveal that he was a CHP holder. He opens that center console (cussing you and your mother the entire time) and you spot the butt end of a Glock and glowing tritium. It seems to me that any person in this theoretical officer’s shoes would have like to known about that firearm before now. Your personal survival instinct would heighten awareness and tension unnecessarily at this point.
True, but they don't always jump straight out and start shooting. Sometimes it's a non-felon who only attacks once he feels threatened. The officer knows more about the situation when he knows there is a gun, and situational awareness is a key part of survival.
Let me illustrate it with a theoretical situation...even though I hate those. . Suppose you’re an LEO. Suppose you’re on a dark, lonely country 2 lane. You pull over a guy that is argumentative and verbally very upset with you from the get go, and he is completely within his rights. You had good, sound reasoning for pulling him over. Now let’s say you ask for his License and registration. He tells you this is his mom’s car at this point so your plate check didn’t reveal that he was a CHP holder. He opens that center console (cussing you and your mother the entire time) and you spot the butt end of a Glock and glowing tritium. It seems to me that any person in this theoretical officer’s shoes would have like to known about that firearm before now. Your personal survival instinct would heighten awareness and tension unnecessarily at this point.
ny32182
Member
About the hypothetical situation, one of two things would have to be at play:
1) If the gun belongs to the driver: You're already dealing with a guy who is dumb enough to inadvertently (or if he is a real criminal... maybe not inadvertently) reveal a gun during a traffic stop. I doubt a law about informing is going to help him. As the cop, would it have been nice to know before he revealed it? Yes... but that is just common sense. Revealing a gun during a traffic stop puts the driver at a certain level of "stupid" that trancends laws and puts him firmly into the future Darwin category all by itself.
2) The gun belongs to the driver's mother... driver probably didn't know it was there in the first place.
One more point: I doubt anyone really goes from "non-felon", to shooting at a cop in one step. Especially with how low the "felon" bar is these days. That sounds similar to stepping in to a Formula 1 race to learn how to drive.
Everyone should do what they are comfortable with and is within the law... it is just my opinion that these "duty to inform" laws are about as useful as CCW laws in general: They only affect the law abiding.
1) If the gun belongs to the driver: You're already dealing with a guy who is dumb enough to inadvertently (or if he is a real criminal... maybe not inadvertently) reveal a gun during a traffic stop. I doubt a law about informing is going to help him. As the cop, would it have been nice to know before he revealed it? Yes... but that is just common sense. Revealing a gun during a traffic stop puts the driver at a certain level of "stupid" that trancends laws and puts him firmly into the future Darwin category all by itself.
2) The gun belongs to the driver's mother... driver probably didn't know it was there in the first place.
One more point: I doubt anyone really goes from "non-felon", to shooting at a cop in one step. Especially with how low the "felon" bar is these days. That sounds similar to stepping in to a Formula 1 race to learn how to drive.
Everyone should do what they are comfortable with and is within the law... it is just my opinion that these "duty to inform" laws are about as useful as CCW laws in general: They only affect the law abiding.
The Bushmaster
Member
Delta608...I live in America...Where do you live?
Hokkmike
Member
Not required to inform in PA.
If he asked me to get out of the car, for whatever reason, I WOULD tell him that I have a LTCF and am carrying, before exiting the vehicle.
I'll leave the big decisions up to him/her.
If he asked me to get out of the car, for whatever reason, I WOULD tell him that I have a LTCF and am carrying, before exiting the vehicle.
I'll leave the big decisions up to him/her.
Can we all apply the KISS principle, please?
Why must we make this more complicated than it should be?
Just give the LEO your CHP on TOP of your DL, keep your mouth shut to eliminate mistakes/selective hearing, and let the friendly officer figure it out when he reads your CHP.
And while IANAL, "informed" can take many forms-you hand him your CHP, he's more informed than he would be if you verbally did so (you could be lying).
Uh huh...now, if you made that mistake while sitting behind your computer (no stress), you could very well make the same mistake while at night, under stress, etc.
I say again-if you state ""I have a concealed handGUN permit", and you've already said in an earlier post folks often don't hear what you're saying, you run the risk of the officer's ears raising at the sound of the word GUN-whether he hears it in context or not...well, why take the chance?
Why must we make this more complicated than it should be?
Just give the LEO your CHP on TOP of your DL, keep your mouth shut to eliminate mistakes/selective hearing, and let the friendly officer figure it out when he reads your CHP.
And while IANAL, "informed" can take many forms-you hand him your CHP, he's more informed than he would be if you verbally did so (you could be lying).
ForumSurfer
Member
Gun, weapon, boomstick...whatever. We may differentiate between the terms in theory. When you say I have a permit and a _____ on my right hip, he gets your drift.
I've been pulled over a few times and went through a few checkpoints since obtaining my CHP. I don't see the situation as being stressful at all. I just inform him verbally, "I have a CHP and a weapon on me." No big deal for me. They've never actually asked to see my CHP. The most anyone ever asked was "Is it loaded?" I don't understand that one, because my answer was "Loaded, chambered, cocked and locked on safety." He didn't really ask to see it or handle it. Other than that, one guy asked me to unload it and if he could look at it after saying "I really like that!"
The only time I've ever had a "stressful" stop was in high school. Wrong place, wrong time and I matched the description of a shooter (physical and vehicle). They did a full on felony stop.
It's a big, fat non issue to me, that's why I've been interested in reading why it is an issue for some people. Sounds to me like we're both informing the LEO so I see no reason to disagree with you.
cassandrasdaddy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2006
- Messages
- 4,206
dang i always called it a gun and they never got antsy. your experience may differ with reality as i encountered it. in the one case i was getting a humdinger of a ticket after the cops ran 30 miles down 95 before they could intercept so they were a might peeved. it was the va state police and they are about as good a police force as i've ever dealt with.
i think some folks just stress out when ever they see the lights and hear the siren. its almost instinctual
i think some folks just stress out when ever they see the lights and hear the siren. its almost instinctual
Well I can see where this one is headed...time for me to bail! 
But don't take my word for it-see what someone in the field says about it.
http://www.gunsandammo.com/videos
Gotta select More Personal Defense tab in the video section-scroll down 'bout halfway to "Tips When Stopped By Police" video.
But don't take my word for it-see what someone in the field says about it.
http://www.gunsandammo.com/videos
Gotta select More Personal Defense tab in the video section-scroll down 'bout halfway to "Tips When Stopped By Police" video.
ForumSurfer
Member
I’m a firm believer in KISS. When I get pulled over, my wallet is in my hip pocket. I don’t start fishing for my ID until the LEO asks for it. That’s why I verbally tell him/her first. The LEO doesn’t see me lean over, pull something out and have it at the ready while he’s walking up. If it goes beyond that, I give the LEO whatever document they ask for, letting them set the pace. Occasionally my wallet is in my front pocket and I won’t need to lean over, but that is usually only when I’m more pick-pocket-wary at an event or on vacation somewhere. For me, the way I do it is more simple...for me. And it has worked many times...for me. YMMV.
cassandrasdaddy
Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2006
- Messages
- 4,206
good video i never had a two cop encounter so i never thought about the second cop part of the equation. made me think how loud it is at the side of the highway too. when i'm in the car the pistol is usually on the passenger seat so they are gonna see it. my goal has always been to let them know before they see it. they have usually come around the passenger side and got it through the window though one guy had me step out away from the car.
MT GUNNY
Member
In Montana, they already know if you have a CCP or not. So, if they ask I tell them if i am or not. If they dont ask i dont Tell.
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
