I got pulled over for the first time since I got my concealed carry permit. I was un aware that I had a tail light out. In Florida you don't have to tell the office that you have a weapon. I work at a car dealership and was driving a vehicle from the lot with dealer tags. Had I been driving my personal car, he would of known that I a permit before he walked up to the car. When he did I gave him my drivers license, he returned to his car and then he knew. I didn't know what to expect when he returned running my drivers license. He said " I could of written you a ticket, but I just wrote you a warning." I wonder if having a c.w.p. actually helped me out a little bit. On the other hand I have to wonder if the stop would of been more "intense" had I been driving my personal car?
Pulled over while carrying
- Thread starter squire
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JPM70535
Member
Squire,
Do you know something I don't. I was unaware that Fl. Registration check or DL check returned the info that you were a CCW holder. Can you enlighten me?
Do you know something I don't. I was unaware that Fl. Registration check or DL check returned the info that you were a CCW holder. Can you enlighten me?
synoptic
Member
It seems to me that anyone willing to go through the course and pay the money for a permit is fairly law abiding and prolly isn't out looking for trouble. I would also guess that officers feel similar, and the stop would possibly be less intense had he known before approaching the vehicle that you had your permit. As far as not telling goes, i personally think it is better to tell the officer right away that you have your license and are carrying, that way there isn't a possibility of him freaking out if the gun flashes or you're printing. Of course, to each his own, but when i get my CHL I will inform the officer as soon as possible when i am pulled over.
JPM70535
This is what I was basing that statement on:
"There is no legal requirement that a licensee inform an officer that he/she is armed; however, prudence and common sense would indicate that it's certainly a good idea. It's better for the officer to hear it from _you_ first, because if he runs your Florida Drivers License he WILL be informed "Caution! Subject has Concealed Weapons License." by the dispatcher."
http://www.packing.org/state/index.jsp/florida
This is what I was basing that statement on:
"There is no legal requirement that a licensee inform an officer that he/she is armed; however, prudence and common sense would indicate that it's certainly a good idea. It's better for the officer to hear it from _you_ first, because if he runs your Florida Drivers License he WILL be informed "Caution! Subject has Concealed Weapons License." by the dispatcher."
http://www.packing.org/state/index.jsp/florida
synoptic
Member
"If you are asked by a law enforcement officer to show ID (as in a traffic stop), you are REQUIRED to volunteer that fact if you are armed and show your CHL along with driver's license. When they run your DL, it will show if you have a Texas Resident CHL, so they WILL find out."
Wow, looks like here in Texas I have no choice but to tell them anyways.
Wow, looks like here in Texas I have no choice but to tell them anyways.
Each state has its own rules. Here in Pa. you don`t have to and it`s not in the computer. I myself wouldn`t say unless asked.
However, if it looks like it`s a felony stop, and you might get that idea because there should be a lot of yelling and guns, I might change my mind.
However, if it looks like it`s a felony stop, and you might get that idea because there should be a lot of yelling and guns, I might change my mind.
aerod1
Member
I have been stopped a couple of times in Texas. I conducted myself appropriately by showing both my DL and CHL and had no problem. I did get a traffic ticket though.
Jim Hall
Jim Hall
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
It's my understanding I'm not required by Colorado law to inform an officer I'm legally carrying a concealed firearm, but I'd do it as a courtesy and a way to avoid the appearance of trying to be sneaky.
Curiously, my driving has become considerably more conservative since getting my permit.
Curiously, my driving has become considerably more conservative since getting my permit.
voilsb
Member
interesting. that makes me wanna check if oregon requires you to show, and/or if you show up anyway when they run your DL.
of course, I don't have a car and I don't drive (except rarely), so it doesn't really matter to me. but I'm still curious
of course, I don't have a car and I don't drive (except rarely), so it doesn't really matter to me. but I'm still curious
Go to http://www.packing.org/ for specifics on your state.
A good site.
I always carry when I travel. Even in states without reciprocity.
I'd rather give up one of my Mak's or PA-63's than lose an "argument" with some nutball at an interstate reststop.
A good site.
I always carry when I travel. Even in states without reciprocity.
I'd rather give up one of my Mak's or PA-63's than lose an "argument" with some nutball at an interstate reststop.
At my favorite gun store I had a discussion with 2 LEOs (different agencies) about volunteering that you are carrying. One LEO said he thought you should always volunteer the info.
The other said some of the officers in his department tended to get nervous when they were informed a driver was carrying. His advice was not to volunteer unless the gun wasn't concealed well or you were going to have to get out of the vehicle. He mentioned the phrase, "Ignorance is bliss."
Alan
The other said some of the officers in his department tended to get nervous when they were informed a driver was carrying. His advice was not to volunteer unless the gun wasn't concealed well or you were going to have to get out of the vehicle. He mentioned the phrase, "Ignorance is bliss."
Alan
I got a speeding ticket one my way home from the range. I had a snubbied tucked into the small of my back, a loaded 9mm in the case on the passenger seat, and an AK behind the seat. I did tell the cop right away, and he thanked me for being forthcoming and just asked me to keep them put away.
No big deal at all.
He still gave me the ticket, but he did cut it back because I didn't try to BS him.
No big deal at all.
He still gave me the ticket, but he did cut it back because I didn't try to BS him.
Bily Lovec
Member
why hide it from the guy ? we're all on the same side, or did you know that ?
window down, both hands on the top of the wheel with BOTH liscenses between a couple of fingers, just tell the guy, officer i have a handgun under the console,....
works for me, works for them, .. do you want a nervous cop outside and behind your car door ??
window down, both hands on the top of the wheel with BOTH liscenses between a couple of fingers, just tell the guy, officer i have a handgun under the console,....
works for me, works for them, .. do you want a nervous cop outside and behind your car door ??
Dave P
Member
"we're all on the same side, "
Bill, I don't feel that way when I hear stories of pet dogs being shotgunned and families being threatened for no good reason.
Bill, I don't feel that way when I hear stories of pet dogs being shotgunned and families being threatened for no good reason.
In Florida, this is not a legal requirement
Florida law does not require that CCW permit holders notify police if they are carrying.
Of course, you may at your own discretion. But the law does not require this, and I advise not.
Yes, this may be a good idea, but then again, it may not. Depending on the individual you are dealing with, notifying the police officer that you are carrying may itself lead to unfortunate behaviors on his part. Why risk it? The operative word in concealed carry is "concealed", and since you are a law-abiding, peaceful citizen, why unnecessarily risk setting off alarm bells?
I have interacted with police on several occasions while carrying -- at parades, at Jeb Bush's election rally, in a convience store, at the local Chinese food place fetching my take-out, and even once when I was pulled over (and talked my way out of a ticket). What they didn't know obviously did not hurt them. If they were observant enough to ask, I would have told them right then and there and readily show them my permit (which is also the law). Bottom line, if I am to trust them, then they must trust me.
Your mileage may vary.
Florida law does not require that CCW permit holders notify police if they are carrying.
Of course, you may at your own discretion. But the law does not require this, and I advise not.
Yes, this may be a good idea, but then again, it may not. Depending on the individual you are dealing with, notifying the police officer that you are carrying may itself lead to unfortunate behaviors on his part. Why risk it? The operative word in concealed carry is "concealed", and since you are a law-abiding, peaceful citizen, why unnecessarily risk setting off alarm bells?
I have interacted with police on several occasions while carrying -- at parades, at Jeb Bush's election rally, in a convience store, at the local Chinese food place fetching my take-out, and even once when I was pulled over (and talked my way out of a ticket). What they didn't know obviously did not hurt them. If they were observant enough to ask, I would have told them right then and there and readily show them my permit (which is also the law). Bottom line, if I am to trust them, then they must trust me.
Your mileage may vary.
Double Naught Spy
Sus Venator
I do concur that it may not be in your best interest to tell a LEO about a legally carried firearm if you are in a state where you don't have to mention it. We are all on the same side, only not everybody our side is quite aware of that. There are some LEOs who think legal concealed carry is a bad thing. Some feel threatened knowing the person for whom they are about to right a ticket is carrying a gun and that the ticket is not going to make the gun toter happy. In other words, what may make the cop nervous is specifically knowing you are armed.
From personal experience here in Texas, having a CHL and being armed is just fine, but wearing body armor (I was coming from the range) made the cop who stopped me back up to the C pillar and snug up to the car when he spotted it on me. Unless I am in a huge hurry to get to the range or home, I don't wear my body armor while driving for that reason.
From personal experience here in Texas, having a CHL and being armed is just fine, but wearing body armor (I was coming from the range) made the cop who stopped me back up to the C pillar and snug up to the car when he spotted it on me. Unless I am in a huge hurry to get to the range or home, I don't wear my body armor while driving for that reason.
keyhole
Member
Well as a LEO for about 18 years, and an avid Second Ammendment supporter, I have no problem with persons getting CCW permits, after all, they are obeying the law. That's something that I use in the argument that the state I reside in should have a carry law, ( they do not now, and have beaten it down twice). Those who want to do the right thing, are not the problem. I know that there are a lot who do carry, without any criminal intent, doing so for protection, and I would like to see them get the chance to do so legally. As for carrying in a car, I have told many not to worry, as all car stops are done, ( or should be) with extreme caution, as you never know what you may be dealing with. I have carried, and been stopped, and never offered to inform who stopped me of the fact. If I was to be requested to step out of the car, things would change, as I would not want the suprise of finding the gun, or guns. I agree about turning the lights on at night, and keeping your hands in plain veiw. Makes the approaching officers job easier, and will let him know that you are less likely to pose a problem.
I'm sorry, but I just don't get it. We are legal, with the exception of the alleged traffic violation and everyone acts as if the police are going to blast away. I drive a red sports car that has been called a "ticket magnet" (my heavy foot doesn't help). I am almost always armed and I travel between two states that do not have an agreement(in the state where I do not have a permit weapon goes in the glove box). I have been stopped in both states and follow the same procedure in both states: Driver's lic. and permit in hand, boyh hands on wheel in normal driving position,engine off and window down, decent attitude. When Officer asks for lic and registration he gets permit too and is advised that I am carrying in the vehicle. In every case the officers have not freaked or over-reacted they have asked where the weapon is located and that has been it. No big deal. Sometimes I get out of the ticket and somestimes I don"t. If we act like we are doing something wrong when we carry then we will send up a red flag to any law enforcement officers that we interact with. We ARE legal.
Right you are, keyhole.
If the LEO asked me to step out of the car, then I would deem it expedient to notify him/her that I was carrying. As the situation changes, so do your decisions and subsequent actions.
I have heard that, when you are pulled over, typically the LEO has already entered your car license# into the onboard computer that all police vehicles seem to have nowadays, and if you have a CCW, that will show up on the display before the tires even stop rolling. Dunno if that's true or not, but it would not surprise me.
If the LEO asked me to step out of the car, then I would deem it expedient to notify him/her that I was carrying. As the situation changes, so do your decisions and subsequent actions.
I have heard that, when you are pulled over, typically the LEO has already entered your car license# into the onboard computer that all police vehicles seem to have nowadays, and if you have a CCW, that will show up on the display before the tires even stop rolling. Dunno if that's true or not, but it would not surprise me.
Well, think about it this way. It prevents a LOT of misunderstandings if the officer is helping you change your flat tire and notices the pistole poking out of your IWB. Sure, this is done for officer safety, but it is also done for citizen safety as well. Anything that helps prevents bullets from flying is a good thing.
My usual advice in this area is:
1. If you're required to notify the LEO, notify the LEO.
2. If you are NOT required to notify the LEO, consider doing so anyway...especially as this might be an investigative stop, not a traffic stop. This, obviously, is personal choice. Sometimes indeed ignorance is bliss.
3. If you are going to step from the vehicle or if asked/requested/ordered to do so, absolutely tell the LEO. You're a Good Guy, but if you are getting out of the car it is becoming more likely that the firearm will be seen, and also more likely that you are not being stopped for a traffic infraction, but possibly because a vehicle matching yours was used in a recent, nearby crime. We don't have Electronic Good Guy detectors...you know you're a Good Guy, we don't.
4. If the firearm is concealed in the vehicle, and you have to go near it to get something while in contact with the officer, tell him. He might get the wrong idea when the glove box flops open, and he sees you reaching "for" your 1911.
Mike
It depends.
It depends on whether or not the CCW license info is tied to BMV/DMV info. SOme places it is, some places it is not. It also depends on the officer (some don't eneter the data until they make contact, why, I don't know), the situation, and whether or not the
compter is working on any given day. 
Mike
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