AmmoJo
2nd Amendment Supporter
Now that SC has Open Carry, I'm wondering how a traffic stop in this state would go when the officer sees a gun on the dash. Anyone experienced anything crazy in Open Carry states?
Texas... Of course you have to be 21 and legal to own a firearm.
Now that SC has Open Carry, I'm wondering how a traffic stop in this state would go when the officer sees a gun on the dash. Anyone experienced anything crazy in Open Carry states?
Just tell me what you need to politely and clearly.
Speaking as someone who has been on both ends of the encounter.Do they pull you over? If you ever get me, I just need to be told to "slow down and have a nice day."
Here is the law, as written, straight from SLED's website:Now that SC has Open Carry, I'm wondering how a traffic stop in this state would go when the officer sees a gun on the dash. Anyone experienced anything crazy in Open Carry states?
My understanding is in SC, you are required to inform. Folks need to know the laws before they decide to carry, open or concealed. Even if not required, it is only being courteous to the officer to inform him about your intentions of a gun on your dash. Way too many suggestions given here without any thought to the consequences. Here in Wisconsin, because of open carry without needing a permit, you can have a handgun loaded in your vehicle, but it has to be not covered with anything.....this includes a holster of any kind. With a CWC permit, anything goes. We do not have a "duty to inform", but again, it's probably a good suggestion.I dont offer anything. Let them do the talking, and let them bring it up if they feel the need. So far, they never have.
Thats my general strategy. I try to make a possible tense situation as calm as possible.Keep you hands up/unmoving/in-plain-sight/away from the gun.
"Officer, I have a legal firearm located xxxxx. How would you like to proceed?"
Given increasingly frequent cop-killing events, you want to make the situation as open and cooperative as possible.
Don't make his(her) life any more dangerous than it is.
Mutual respect/courtesy goes a long way....
Just speak plainly and clearly. People start sounding weird when they use rehearsed lines and many of us hate being called "officer" when we may be deputies, troopers, wardens etc. Don't need to address me like a member of the royal court. Just tell me what you need to politely and clearly.
In any case, when the officer approaches your vehicle, have your license, registration and carry permit in hand; keep both hands in plain view (on the steering wheel works well), and declare to the officer you have a handgun in the vehicle. He will direct you as to the next step. In NC, your CC permit is tied to your driver license; when the officer does a license check on his computer, it tells him whether or not you have a CC permit. I suppose SC would be similar.