OP here. Let's clarify a few things.
If a police officer wants to ask questions, answer him. He's not looking arrest you;
Actually, he probably is. Louisiana is a very different world from Chicago. Up here Emperor Daley has his troops... ermm.. i mean police looking to tally up every gun conviction they can. Legal or not.
But that's beside the point. Again i was, and always do, follow the letter of the law.
stchman:
Conceal carry in NOT PERMITTED in Illinois in any way, shape, or form. If you are conceal carrying, then you are making a big mistake.
I'm afraid maybe you didn't read my post. Please do. There was no concealed carry taking place.
Encased and unloaded, in possession of IL FOID!
. Lying to a police officer is a felony, look it up.
Again - nobody is advocating or suggesting lying. That option was never on the table.
Doubtful that the LEO will want to search your car unless you are engaging in suspicious activity.
Here's the real crux of the whole thing. I danced around the topic, but speaking plainly, the LEO's (and most of CPD's) definition of "suspicious" is the stickers advocating 2nd Amendment rights.
Not until the recent McDonald SCOTUS case did Daley even "allow" us to exercise our human rights, protected by the constitution IN OUR OWN HOMES.
We still are not allowed to exercise those rights outside of our homes.
The "suspicious" behavior is wanting to think that any of the U.S Constitution, SCOTUS, and IL State law take precedence over Daley's (and by extension, his police force's) wishes.
So that's the background...
Now, before we get too far off topic (and to avoid the moderators closing this topic), let me
re-summarize the original post and add what I've gleaned from you all so far:
1) How do you respond to an LEO asking about firearms during a traffic stop, with no cause other than stickers on the car
It seems most agree to be respectful, and do not consent to searches (though I'll add that doesn't make a difference. They search anyway). There is disagreement about whether to answer the direct question ("do you have firearms in the vehicle?") or not.
2) Is the sticker reasonable cause to search?
Most seem to agree it is not.
As I anticipated, and has obviously shown to be true, I'm going to get hassled from time to time and pulled over for imaginary traffic violations. I accept this.
I'm just looking for the most appropriate and respectful way to keep these incidents short and sweet (or better yet, avoid the incident altogether).
And by the way, thanks to everyone for their opinions, experiences, and information so far. It's quite helpful.