Traffic Stop W/ CHP Do You Inform?

[Treo]

Here in Colorado if I am stopped by the police according to Colorado law I have no " duty to inform" the cop that I'm a permit holder or that I'm armed unless they directly ask me. Given that most of the CSPD are CLUELESS about local firearms laws ( as far as they're concerned anything a private citizen happens to be doing W/ a gun is illegal regardless of what the law actually says) I never volunteer the information I would like to here some other opinions and experiences.

[MNDemNY]

1. I'd wait until...

he has you on the ground with his service weapon behind your ear to tell him you have a permit to carry that gun. Works for me.

[Treo]

2. I Realize You're Being Sarcastic But...

Or maybe being a sarcastic butt
I would inform if I we're asked to step out of the vehicle or If I were directly asked other than that it's really not the cop's business

[MNDemNY]

3. How "nicely" do you think...

a cop will 'ask" you, after he sees your weapon after talking with you for some time? I think he will (rightfully) err on the side of caution and take steps to protect himself. Honestly I would inform the officer at first contact.

[AtheistCrusader]

13. Actually, it's not a big deal.

As long as you don't lie to the officer, and if you live in a state that requires you inform, you do so, you're fine.

I had one ask if I had a pistol in my fanny pack about halfway through an interview, and he asked me to hand over the pack, then later asked for the permit.

(Calling the reciept checkers at the door of Fry's 'door nazis' is a good way to get someone to call the cops on you and accuse you of shoplifting)

[GreenStormCloud]

4. In Texas, it is required to inform the officer.

I have always found them to be polite and professional. Before they get to my car, they already know, from having called in the plate number. I have by driver's license and my Concealed Handgun License out and offer both. They ask how many guns and where they are.

They aren't too worried about us as CHL holders are certified good guys. Both my wife and I have squeaky clean police records - nothing but a few traffic tickets for me, and nothing at all for her.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

5. Here is Ohio it's the law to inform.

Plus, if there is any sort of CCW registration affiliated with your drivers license the officer already knows you are a CCW permit holder before he ever walks up to your window. His computer tells him so. ;) If I were an officer, it would put me at ease to know the driver recognizes my concern and informs me if they are carrying a weapon or not. We both know... why would he hiding it?

Hand him your DL and CHP with a simple, "Officer, I have a permit and (do/don't) have a loaded firearm in my possesion. How would you like me to proceed." Act professionally with courtesy and you'll more than likely receive it in return. Here in Ohio (a relatively 'young' ccw state) many of the cops approve of people who have CCW permits and often merely issue a warning for minor traffic violations. I've found that police with the righteous armed superiority over the public god-complex are rare, if not extinct.

[Euromutt]

6. It's not required in Washington state

But I probably would inform the officer anyway. One, it tells him I'm the kind of person who doesn't mind letting the FBI have his fingerprints, and two, it heads off any ugliness in the event he notices the gun at some later point.

From what I've read about stops in WA in which the CPL-holder informed the cops he was licensed to carry (don't tell the cop "I've got a gun"; tell him you're licensed to carry) the cops were quite courteous about it.

[Treo]

11. I've Got A Gun

Is never something you want to say to a cop. The few times I've been asked I simply hand over my permit W/ out saying a word. By doing it that way I allow the Officer to assimilate the information at THEIR pace.

Generally, I only inform if asked or (and this has never happened) I’m asked to step out of the vehicle which usually precedes a pat down.

I choose not to inform because while Colorado is generally a pro-freedom state we do have our share of anti cops and I don’t want to deal W/ the whole “Why do you think you need to carry a gun?” bit. I generally carry in such a way that the police aren’t going to find the gun W/ out a pat down and in El Paso County it doesn’t come up on their computer

[AtheistCrusader]

15. In WA, they know before they even get out of their car.

Permit is flagged on your vehicle license number.

[jeepnstein]

7. I tell them immediately.

Keep both hands on the wheel and look them square in the eyes when you make this declaration. Smiling helps, too. Everyone appreciates a smile now and then. Ohio law requires that I inform the officer.

Or you could wave the thing out the window and unload it by firing up into the air. Whatever you think works for you.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

8. "Yes officer, I've got a CCW and

3 handguns, 2 rifles, a silencer, a machinegun, and 1500 rounds of ammunition in my car. How would like me to proceed..." :rofl:

Almost a true story. I was driving 2 hours south @ about 1AM on the interstate and a cop car pulls off of the side of the road and just follows me. I'm the only one on the 3 lane highway in sight and doing 1mph under the limit - we both know he's waiting for me to screw up. After about 5 minutes my nerves couldn't take it anymore and I had to get off the freeway and "get gas".

Good thing he didm't pull me over. Explaining multiple guns & ammo is usually not a problem.
It's the machine guns and silencers @ 1AM that'll getcha every time. :tinfoilhat:

[Statistical]

9. Don't inform. VA has no requirement. Don't feel the need.

If the state added a requirement I would comply but I don't feel the need to notify him that I am exercising my rights at that moment.

Of course open carry without a permit is also authorized so you could just leave the weapon in plain sight on the seat or dash if you want to avoid the whole CCW license permit & notification.

[JonQ]

10. For a routine traffic stop I wouldn't

if they ask you to get out or anything it might be a wise decision to calmly and quietly inform them, so they don't flip out.

Not required necessarily, but possibly a good self preservation tactic.

[yost69]

12. Some states require it, some don't. Most leos will find out when they call in your info.

[imdjh]

14. However, don't forget the Corbomite Maneuver. nt

[rd_kent]

16. I have only pulled over once when I had my gun in the car

Officer never asked, I never told. Had he asked if I was carrying or had he asked me to get out of the car, I would have informed him at that time. Always a good idea to keep both hands on the wheel at all times regardless.

[aikoaiko]

17. I would inform if the gun was in the glove box and I had to open it in front of the officer

We're not required to inform in GA.

I did once when I went through a check point and I had a revolver wedged in between the split bench. The cops were fine with it, but warned me not to make any sudden moves toward the gun. I said no problem and you do the same. ;)

[spin]

18. I was stopped in Florida for an expired license tag...

I gave the officer my drivers license, insurance card and concealed carry permit.

He glanced at the permit and made no comment. I was carrying at the time.

Our encounter was polite. I got a ticket and learned a lesson, never trust Florida or the post office to send or deliver a notice that your license tag needs to be renewed. I have a reminder on my computer now.

[virginia mountainman]

19. My thoughtful take on this..

We are not Required to by law in VA.. But he knows already, as pointed out above, CHP (Concealed handgun permit, that is what the proper term is in VA) information is tied to vehicle registration, E-911, and Driver's License. He knows, that YOU are a CHP holder when he runs your tags.

That being said...And this is coming from someone who has on MANY occasions because of the nature of my work, have numerous late night interactions with many different police departments.

I make it a point, to tell the officer this, as I am handing over my CHP and Driver's License, IN THAT ORDER....

I have a Concealed Weapon Permit, and I am armed, the gun is (where ever it is).......while keeping my hands on the wheel..

I do this for because...

He already KNOWS, or should know, that I have a CHP, and I don't want him asking himself these questions at 2AM in some dark deserted parking lot:

A. Where is his gun?
B. Why did he not tell me, he is legal and he knows it, what does he have to loose??
C. I know that he probably has one? Why is he hiding it from me??
D. Is he thinking of jumping me for some reason?

The last thing I want to deal with is a WORRIED and nervous cop. Jumpy Cops kill people. Cops are human, for me, the best policy, is being upfront out my armed status, even if I am not legally required to be.

I have been told by deputies, and state troopers, that they APPRECIATE me being upfront, I have never been disarmed by a cop, but I have had several ask to see my sidearm, and then ask questions about it.

Questions like:

How do you like it??
Do you like that caliber??
Can I see it for a minute??
You want to see mine??

Being upfront, stops himself for being concerned with my intentions.

Also, being upfront is a good habit to have, I travel many states, they all have different notification requirements, so I just get into the habit of telling ALL OF THEM, upfront.

It is a good habit to get into.

[OttavaKarhu]

20. No.

No.