What to do if a cop pulls you over and youve got a handgun.

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I got pulled over here here in Philly a few weeks ago on my way to the range. I'm not required to tell the officer that I'm carrying, so I didn't. As a general rule I always ask permission from the officer before I reach into my glove compartment, etc. If that would reveal a firearm I'd inform them first and ask them how they would like me to proceed. I've always found that being calm and polite helps. BTW she let me slide even though I had forgotten to renew my inspection/emissions:eek:
 
Hate to defend California, but it's not as bad as people are portraying here. I've been stopped once in California, in Los Angeles county of all places.

I handed my drivers license and CCW permit to the officer even though I did not have to reveal my CCW status. I said "I'm lawfully carrying a concealed weapon and the permit is in your hand."

There was no "Rodney King" response, he asked where the gun was and went back to his car. After a while, he came back and issued me a warning.

BTW, there's a sticky at the top of the page: "You are not a guilty criminal -- stop acting like it." :)
 
In Missouri when the LEO's run your plate it comes up that you have a CCW, that's enough warning in my book for them, not like Im trying to hide anything.

Also, in my fair state you can carry on your car loaded without a permit so they are prolly trained to approach every car as so.

-Robb
 
The OP is worried, perhaps over nothing

Good citizens who are lawfully armed get stopped for minor violations all the time. Nothing bad happens.

Know the law in your state, and follow it. It's no big deal.

If you don't know the law or don't follow it, you have reason to worry.
If you like to fight with law enforcement officers, you have reason to worry.
If you have a warrant or you are committing a felony, you have reason to worry.
If you're a drug addict, you better worry.
If you're drunk driving, it's far past time to start worrying.

But if you're othewise clean and lawfully armed, no big deal.

I've had a permit and carried a firearm for decades, and I've been stopped for traffic violations.

Nothing ever happens.
 
In Utah if you have a concealed carry permit then you're one of the good guys, you've passed a background check, you have a "good record" and you know the law, it was taught in your CC class (in Utah).

Thats what a concealed carry permit means to me and all officers that I know.

Just don't say "what seems to be the problem officer".
 
When I was in AZ I was pulled over while carrying. There you have no specific "duty to inform," but are required to answer truthfully if carrying. That is exactly what I did. Nothing came of it.
 
In Ga. CCW permit holders are not required to inform. That said whenever I am stopped I present my carry permit with my license and let the officer know I am armed. I have had them request I dissarm and move to their vehicle and I have had them show complete lack of concern. Only once has it been an issue and on that occasion I was stopped because my veh. matched the description of a robbery involved vehicle.
 
Michigan- If you have a CPL (CCW) and are armed, you are required to inform the LEO. Your permit is also linked to any license plates in your name and your driver's license. But why not tell them even if your not carrying. Your a law abinding citizen and he's doing a very dangerous job. A little show of respect and concern for his safety could go a long ways in helping with your present situation.
 
I've been pulled over once since getting my cpl in Mi. I informed the officer That I was carrying as required by Mi law. He said to leave it concealed and went about his business and wrote a ticket for less that I was guilty of. What he actually said when I told him I was carrying was,"Just leave it where it is." It's probably a good thing he didn't ask how many I was carrying.
 
But why not tell them even if you're not carrying?
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Go do a search on this topic and read all the accounts of THR members who have ended up face down across the hood of their car for being "courteous" or had an inexperienced cop sweep them with their own muzzle while trying to figure out how to unload their 1911. Or had to endure a lecture about "Why do YOU need to carry a gun?". Then get back to us
 
My lawyer, who specializes in gun law, tells me that in New Hampshire there is no duty to disclose. I do not, because I have met some police that are anti-gun. If asked I will tell the truth...but I am not going to offer any information.
 
It varies from locality to locality.

This is a scan of the bottom of a form I had to sign when I got my CHP. The local Sheriff Dept. kept a copy and I gave me a copy.

cards008.jpg
 
Does any one know about Alabama cc laws. I ask because I was pulled over a while back for changing lanes without signaling. The LEO noticed some shotgun shells They asked some questions about the shotgun not the pistol ar any other guns. I had a pistol in the console and two shotguns in back covered. . When I got home noticed my liscence was expired (i have renewed). What did I do wrong besides not having my lisence up to date. What did i do right besides not mention my pistol. Please help
 
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Does any one know about Alabama cc laws. I ask because I was pulled over a while back for changing lanes without signaling. The LEO noticed some shotgun shells They asked some questions about the shotgun not the pistol ar any other guns. I had a pistol in the console and two shotguns in back covered. . When I got home noticed my liscence was expired (i have renewed). What did I do wrong besides not having my lisence up to date. What did i do right besides not mention my pistol. Please help
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Doesn't sound like you did anything wrong. unless you had a chambered round in one of the long guns. That I am unsure about, I know if you have no CCL you can transport a shotgun or rifle so long as you don't have a round in the chamber. If you have a CCL you might be able to have a round chambered, I don't know.

Our Attorney General has a really good site with a printable version of our gun laws there, he also has order firearm law info there. It is worth a look if you are unsure about something.

This is the link I have on hand.
 
Thanks Deep South I have been trying to find this info for a while. I have heard a lot from people who I dont really trust when it comes to the law of cc.
Robert
 
From what I've been told, in my state they'll know when they run your license plate on any stop. Just part of the database they will check on for any routine stop.

My attitude is to be respectful and understand their position. Again, from what I've been told, when they run your plate and find a CCW permit they generally understand you're one of the "good guys". (As they know you've taken a course, understand the law and have had a pretty extensive background check.)

I don't know from first person experience as I don't have a CCW. I'm hoping to change that soon. :)

GB7
 
Greybeard, I agree I always act as polite as possible and keep my hands on the steering wheel. didnt think about the officer checking me like that interesting.
 
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Go do a search on this topic and read all the accounts of THR members who have ended up face down across the hood of their car for being "courteous" or had an inexperienced cop sweep them with their own muzzle while trying to figure out how to unload their 1911. Or had to endure a lecture about "Why do YOU need to carry a gun?". Then get back to us
Click to expand...

It sounds like conspiracy theory to me. LEOs have a difficult and dangerous job and I don't want to be remembered by any of them so I do what I can to make their job easier. The only people I've ever seen face down did something stupid to get in that position, whether they want to admit it or not.

Growing up I was told belive none of what you hear and only half of what you see. That theory has served me far better than conspiracy theory.
 
As soon as the officer exits his vehicle, yell to him "I got a gun!"

He will get no surprises that way and appreciate the openness.
 
Oh, and word to the wise - I hear that leaping out of the car and prancing about wildly with a pistol in your hand while screaming "I"ve got a GUN!" is probably A Very Bad Idea.
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No, jump out, wildly flailing your arms around screaming, "BEES! BEES! SOMEONE PUT A BEEHIVE IN MY CAR!"
 
I've been stopped once while carrying; I told the LEO I was licensed & armed, handed over my DL andCHL. LEO immediately handed back my CHL & said he "didn't care about that". Even let me off with a warning.
 
It sounds like conspiracy theory to me. LEOs have a difficult and dangerous job and I don't want to be remembered by any of them so I do what I can to make their job easier. The only people I've ever seen face down did something stupid to get in that position, whether they want to admit it or not.
Click to expand...

It's not a conspiracy theory. It does happen. I'm sure the percentage of bad interactions with law abiding citizens and anti-gun cops is very small but to say it never happens is wishful thinking.
 
REAPER4206969
The link in your post #98 is the one I was referring to.

Thanks for the link.

Check it out people.
Hope you learn something.
 
In Ohio you have to notify the LEO immediately after being stopped that you have a license to carry a concealed handgun. Not doing so is a felony
 
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