Hmmm, let's see...
Pulled over by PA State Troopers now 5 times since I have had my CCW...they have gotten me with the same thing each time..."failing to obey traffic device" and a $105.00 ticket, no points.
That's not very CCW friendly huh? Actually, consider this:
Each time, I was going a minimum of 22 miles over the posted limit, once 95 in a 55 interstate.
I know the CCW helped, here's why I know.
When I see the radar runner, and I am speeding, I pull over IMMEDIATELY. Even before they pull out to chase. I find the closest safe spot (never too far) and pull over.
I put the car in park, turn the engine off, put the keys on the dash, roll down both windows and hang my hands out of the driver's side door.
I say "sir" or "maam", but I don't kiss ass. I maintain a friendly demeanor, often cracking a joke or two when they ask me why I was speeding (i.e. 'do you know why I pulled you over?' - "yes sir, I'm an idiot and sped right past a State Trooper. I must have left my thinking cap at home.")
When they ask for my ID, I calmly state the following (we are not required to notify in PA).
Sir, I would like to inform you that I have a license to carry a concealed firearm in this state, and I am in fact exercsing that right at this time. My firearm is on my strong-side/right hip, which is also the side that my wallet and ID are on. My registration and insurance papers are in the glove box, I have 2 spare magazines (and another firearm sometimes) in that area. How would you prefer I proceed?
Now, they usually change their attitude after the joke, but once I inform them of my CCW, they ALWAYS relax (which is contrary to what I would have ever expected), or seem to, and advise me to retriece my wallet first and hand over the DL and CCW. I roll my right hip towards the driver's side window so the officer can see exactly what I am doing, and I move slowly but deliberately.
They go back and run then info, and always come back with the same thing "Sir, I wrote you up for failing to obey a traffic device, there will be no points on this. I just need you to sign, it is not an admission of guilt you may fight the citation.
My reply is always the same "Why would I fight it? I sped, I got nailed."
They then always tell me something to the effect of:
'I appreciate you notifying me of your concealed carry weapon' Please take it easy out here on the speed.
All but once they have also asked what I was carrying.
FYI: 2 borough cops stopped me for speeding during that time frame. One let me go, the other did the same thing the Troopers did.
And in each case, I have written a letter to their superiors commending the officers on their professionalism. Now I just gotta learn to stop speeding all the damn time!