Traffic Stop Experience - Page 2

**hogdogs** · April 8, 2010, 11:24 AM

PROPS TO THAT LEO!!!

Since we can carry fully loaded without a CCP so long as it ain't "on the person", I feel it wise to inform before I get the typical... "do you have any guns drugs or large quantities of cash?".

Brent

elwaynum1 · April 8, 2010, 12:25 PM

Zombie237,

"A person commits an offense of unlawfully carrying a
weapon if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly
carries a handgun on or about his or her person unless the
person is on one’s own premise or premises under the person’s
control or inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle
that is owned by the person or under the person’s control.
It is unlawful to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly carry
on or about one’s person a handgun in a motor vehicle if the
handgun is in plain view or the person is engaged in criminal
activity (other than a misdemeanor traffic violation), prohibited
by law from possessing a firearm or is a member of a street
gang."

http://www.nraila.org/statelawpdfs/TXSL.pdf

No where in the law does it say it must be out of reach, only that it must be concealed...assuming you're not in some kind of street gang or engaging in illegal activity.

dayid · April 8, 2010, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by insman1132

"I believe, Officer, under Florida Law I am require to advise you that I am carrying a concealed weapon."

As spacecoast said, you believe wrong. Other states may have this, but you have no requirement, duty, or anything else to let them know. (In FL)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarge

In states with concealed carry, it's become common for that info to be attached to the registration of your license plate. If you're driving your own vehicle and they run your tag before they hit the rollers, odds are they already know you have a permit.

This also is not true for Florida. Neither sheriffs, local police, FDOT, nor FHP can find that information purely by a license plate. (in FL)

spacecoast · April 8, 2010, 04:03 PM

Quote:

This also is not true for Florida. Neither sheriffs, local police, FDOT, nor FHP can find that information purely by a license plate. (in FL)

Good point, and thanks for clarifying that.

zombie237 · April 8, 2010, 04:38 PM

Elway, much appreciated insight and point of view. I'm only assuming now that a few LEO's may not have an understanding of the law or misunderstood to a point how the law was worded. There may also be wordings that are misunderstood on my part so I figure, if ever in question, better to tell them and go from there to see how they interpreted the law and where you should proceed from there.

**JohnKSa** · April 8, 2010, 11:17 PM

zombie237,

There was an attempt to drop the notification requirement from the law, but I don't believe that bill was passed.

Here's the text of the law. As far as I can tell this is the current law--that is the TX online statutes have been updated with all of the changes from the last legislative session.

Sec. 411.205. REQUIREMENT TO DISPLAY LICENSE. If a license holder is carrying a handgun on or about the license holder's person when a magistrate or a peace officer demands that the license holder display identification, the license holder shall display both the license holder's driver's license or identification certificate issued by the department and the license holder's handgun license.

If you are legally carrying in TX in your car without a license I would not volunteer that information. Since it will be concealed (as it must be legally) the topic shouldn't come up. You're not breaking any law and volunteering the information could result in some hassle for you if you encounter an LEO who is unfamiliar with the new law.

bamaranger · April 10, 2010, 02:53 AM

Its been my observation that most LE Academies and organizations teach /train/operate that ANY armed subject is a threat, or at least a very potential threat. That is the mindset that a new officer hits the street with. The trust no one, handcuff everbody mind set is taught, reinforced and pretty normal. Experience and common sense hopefully will factor in fairly quickly.

Since concealed carry is so common now, somebody could make a bundle, developing LEO training that deals with contacting a legally armed subject, be it a hunter or a CCW holder.

I have been a part of several instances (usually complaints or boards of review) where a new officer, contacts a legally armed subject (hunter or CCW) and handles the entire episode like the subject was an armed felon. Reason: training and inexperience.

twhidd · April 10, 2010, 06:43 PM

In Georgia we are not require to declare, but I do sometimes as a courtesy. Rather than verbally announce that I am armed, I will hand the officer my firearms license along with my drivers license and vehicle registration.

mrnkc130 · April 11, 2010, 02:27 AM

I was pulled over a few months ago for speeding by a Ft. Worth cop. It was about 2230 on a Friday night I was on my way to work. he passed me going the opposite direction on a 3 lane divided road (where the speed limit was 45??) he turned around and pulled me over, then shined a very very bright light right in my side mirror, which just about gave me a headache!

I was pretty sure I was going to get a ticket at this time. 2 of my 3 brakelights were not working, my inspection was out (inspection out because brakelights were not working because I was waiting on the dodge house to fix it under warranty) and then to top it all off, I couldnt find my insurance card. I thought for sure I was done for.

He walked up and I gave him my DL and CHL and told him I couldnt find my insurance card. He asked where my pistol was and I informed him it was under the center console. He asked me how fast I was going and all that and told me I was going 58 in a 45, oops. When he got back from checking my license he just told me to slow down and that was it. I was quite suprised.

It's possible he just won the lottery and was in a really good mood, but I think its because I had a CHL. It's nice to get a break every once and a while.

**hogdogs** · April 11, 2010, 08:43 AM

mrn, It could also be because you didn't do as I do and adjust all my mirrors to the outboard and down, leaving my face dark so as not to get a migraine cranked up...

Brent

sonick808 · April 11, 2010, 09:34 AM

i've had the same experience even in Illinois in the chicago burbs (not concealed, but present in a case)

goes to show.... largely you get out what you put in

skydiver3346 · April 11, 2010, 10:16 AM

Yep, and being nice to the officer doesn't hurt you either. They got a job to do and you got to appreciate that. I wised off to a trooper one time (a very long time ago) and that was stupid for sure. I was young/ignorant and it cost me a big ticket. Ever since then I am always polite and respectful and it usually pays off in the long run. Plus I don't speed anymore as I am getting older I guess.

rdmallory · April 11, 2010, 02:12 PM

If you are pulled in KY and you are driving a car registered to you the LEO already knows you are a CCDW holder.

Your CCDW is tied to your DL and all vehicles registered to you.

Doug

Cool_Hand · April 11, 2010, 04:55 PM

My father gave me some good advice one day after I gave a cop a hard time and got a big ol' ticket, "when it comes to cops, shut your mouth and kiss ass".

Flapjack23 · April 12, 2010, 02:31 PM

Got in an accident, kid listening to his radio too loud rear ended my while I was stopped at a stop sign. Police showed up, I gave him my DL, Reg, Ins, and CPL (on top) and said "I'm armed". He looked at CPL, looked at me, handed me CPL back and wrote the kid a ticket. Never even cared I was armed.

Andy

April 8, 2010, 11:24 AM	#26
hogdogs Staff Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 10,690	PROPS TO THAT LEO!!! Since we can carry fully loaded without a CCP so long as it ain't "on the person", I feel it wise to inform before I get the typical... "do you have any guns drugs or large quantities of cash?". Brent __________________ Finally have designs going up in the Hogdogs Outdoor Apparel online store. http://www.cafepress.com/hogdogsoutdoorapparel Thanks for lookin'...

April 8, 2010, 04:38 PM	#30
zombie237 Member Join Date: December 21, 2009 Posts: 93	Elway, much appreciated insight and point of view. I'm only assuming now that a few LEO's may not have an understanding of the law or misunderstood to a point how the law was worded. There may also be wordings that are misunderstood on my part so I figure, if ever in question, better to tell them and go from there to see how they interpreted the law and where you should proceed from there. __________________ Beretta Px4 Storm 9mm(x2), Beretta Cx4 Storm 9mm, Beretta Px4 Storm in .45ACP, Walther PK380(x2), pending good long range rifle

April 8, 2010, 11:17 PM	#31
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 16,763	zombie237, There was an attempt to drop the notification requirement from the law, but I don't believe that bill was passed. Here's the text of the law. As far as I can tell this is the current law--that is the TX online statutes have been updated with all of the changes from the last legislative session. Sec. 411.205. REQUIREMENT TO DISPLAY LICENSE. If a license holder is carrying a handgun on or about the license holder's person when a magistrate or a peace officer demands that the license holder display identification, the license holder shall display both the license holder's driver's license or identification certificate issued by the department and the license holder's handgun license. If you are legally carrying in TX in your car without a license I would not volunteer that information. Since it will be concealed (as it must be legally) the topic shouldn't come up. You're not breaking any law and volunteering the information could result in some hassle for you if you encounter an LEO who is unfamiliar with the new law. __________________ Did you know that there is a TEXAS State Rifle Association? Check out Black Bear Flashlights.

April 10, 2010, 02:53 AM	#32
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 3,633	Sorry to say Its been my observation that most LE Academies and organizations teach /train/operate that ANY armed subject is a threat, or at least a very potential threat. That is the mindset that a new officer hits the street with. The trust no one, handcuff everbody mind set is taught, reinforced and pretty normal. Experience and common sense hopefully will factor in fairly quickly. Since concealed carry is so common now, somebody could make a bundle, developing LEO training that deals with contacting a legally armed subject, be it a hunter or a CCW holder. I have been a part of several instances (usually complaints or boards of review) where a new officer, contacts a legally armed subject (hunter or CCW) and handles the entire episode like the subject was an armed felon. Reason: training and inexperience.

April 10, 2010, 06:43 PM	#33
twhidd Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2005 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 757	In Georgia we are not require to declare, but I do sometimes as a courtesy. Rather than verbally announce that I am armed, I will hand the officer my firearms license along with my drivers license and vehicle registration. __________________ Todd NRA Life Member

April 8, 2010, 12:25 PM	#27
elwaynum1 Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 83	Zombie237, "A person commits an offense of unlawfully carrying a weapon if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries a handgun on or about his or her person unless the person is on one’s own premise or premises under the person’s control or inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person’s control. It is unlawful to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly carry on or about one’s person a handgun in a motor vehicle if the handgun is in plain view or the person is engaged in criminal activity (other than a misdemeanor traffic violation), prohibited by law from possessing a firearm or is a member of a street gang." http://www.nraila.org/statelawpdfs/TXSL.pdf No where in the law does it say it must be out of reach, only that it must be concealed...assuming you're not in some kind of street gang or engaging in illegal activity.

April 11, 2010, 02:27 AM	#34
mrnkc130 Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2009 Location: Justin, TX Posts: 149	I was pulled over a few months ago for speeding by a Ft. Worth cop. It was about 2230 on a Friday night I was on my way to work. he passed me going the opposite direction on a 3 lane divided road (where the speed limit was 45??) he turned around and pulled me over, then shined a very very bright light right in my side mirror, which just about gave me a headache! I was pretty sure I was going to get a ticket at this time. 2 of my 3 brakelights were not working, my inspection was out (inspection out because brakelights were not working because I was waiting on the dodge house to fix it under warranty) and then to top it all off, I couldnt find my insurance card. I thought for sure I was done for. He walked up and I gave him my DL and CHL and told him I couldnt find my insurance card. He asked where my pistol was and I informed him it was under the center console. He asked me how fast I was going and all that and told me I was going 58 in a 45, oops. When he got back from checking my license he just told me to slow down and that was it. I was quite suprised. It's possible he just won the lottery and was in a really good mood, but I think its because I had a CHL. It's nice to get a break every once and a while. __________________ Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man,the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a timehanded out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things:bread and circuses (Juvenal, Satire 10.77–81)

April 11, 2010, 08:43 AM	#35
hogdogs Staff Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 10,690	mrn, It could also be because you didn't do as I do and adjust all my mirrors to the outboard and down, leaving my face dark so as not to get a migraine cranked up... Brent __________________ Finally have designs going up in the Hogdogs Outdoor Apparel online store. http://www.cafepress.com/hogdogsoutdoorapparel Thanks for lookin'...

April 11, 2010, 09:34 AM	#36
sonick808 Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ Posts: 386	i've had the same experience even in Illinois in the chicago burbs (not concealed, but present in a case) goes to show.... largely you get out what you put in

April 11, 2010, 10:16 AM	#37
skydiver3346 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,222	On being stopped: Yep, and being nice to the officer doesn't hurt you either. They got a job to do and you got to appreciate that. I wised off to a trooper one time (a very long time ago) and that was stupid for sure. I was young/ignorant and it cost me a big ticket. Ever since then I am always polite and respectful and it usually pays off in the long run. Plus I don't speed anymore as I am getting older I guess.

April 11, 2010, 02:12 PM	#38
rdmallory Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2009 Location: Lexington Ky Posts: 807	Ky If you are pulled in KY and you are driving a car registered to you the LEO already knows you are a CCDW holder. Your CCDW is tied to your DL and all vehicles registered to you. Doug

April 11, 2010, 04:55 PM	#39
Cool_Hand Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2010 Posts: 373	My father gave me some good advice one day after I gave a cop a hard time and got a big ol' ticket, "when it comes to cops, shut your mouth and kiss ass".

April 12, 2010, 02:31 PM	#40
Flapjack23 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Location: Yale MI Posts: 138	MI Got in an accident, kid listening to his radio too loud rear ended my while I was stopped at a stop sign. Police showed up, I gave him my DL, Reg, Ins, and CPL (on top) and said "I'm armed". He looked at CPL, looked at me, handed me CPL back and wrote the kid a ticket. Never even cared I was armed. Andy