Legally Armed Citizen and Traffic Stops: I got stopped last night.

[Big62]

Ok, I know that from time to time there are posts by individuals asking, "What happens if I get stopped by an officer, and I'm legally armed?" Well, I had my own experience with this last night, so I thought I would share it. Actually, I had an encounter last year too, so I will throw that in at the end.

Anyway, I'm driving down the road last night, with a headlight out. I passed the officer going in the opposite direction, saw the unit turn around, and head in my direction. I KNEW I was going to get stopped, and it probably surprised the officer when I pulled over as soon as the officer activated the lights. Anyway, I pulled into a store parking lot, as in this case on this particular road, I didn't think it would be safe for the officer to stand by the side of the road. So, I pulled onto the lot, turned my interior lights on, rolled down my driver's side window, and waited. The officer approached, and asked for my license and proof of insurance. While reaching for these things, I asked "How are you doing this evening?", at which the officer answered, and responded in kind. Anyway, I then handed the officer my license, proof of insurance, and my CCW permit, and I informed the officer that I did in fact have a weapon in the vehicle. The officer simply told me to keep my hands in plain view.

The officer asked if I knew about the headlight, at which I answered honestly that I did. The officer then asked if the vehicle was registered to me, and then asked me a couple of times if everything was ok with my license. I stated that it was, and made sure I was polite and respectful throughout the encounter. The officer went back to the vehicle to conduct the check, then came back a few minutes later and handed my licenses and insurance card back to me, but instead of giving me a ticket, handed me a written notice to the affect that I had been stopped, and advised of the problem. The officer stated that if I were stopped again before getting the light fixed, that showing that paper to the officer MIGHT stop me from getting a ticket. I thanked the officer, told the officer to have a nice evening, and that ended the encounter. At no time did the officer make an issue of the weapon in the vehicle. Needless to say, that headlight will be fixed TODAY!!!

Last year, I had a fender bender (my fault), and when the officer came upon the scene, I also handed the officer my license, proof of insurance, and CCW permit, informing the officer that I was indeed carrying a weapon. The officer simply handed the permit back to me and said, "I don't need that.". Once again, that officer didn't make an issue of it either. Oh, surprisingly (not that I'm complaining... ), I didn't get a ticket for that fender bender.

I know that response to a legally armed citizen on a traffic stop will vary from officer to officer, but in the instances that I've had such contact as a citizen dealing with an officer, I have had NO negative experiences. Just thought I would share.

[DolphinTattoos]

Thanks for sharing, I think your post will help a lot of non-LEO's during traffic stops.

Be nice, HONEST, and follow directions and all will go smoothly.

[Ranger__101]

That is the best advice you can give any one. Be upfront and hand over the CCW permit and let them know you are armed.

[GoDirectly2Jail]

In some states, informing the officer of your CCW+ status is the law, in others it's not, but it's a nice courtesy in all cases.

[MrMisterSU]

A tad off topic - But I was wondering what the average age is for a CCW permit? I did a little check and couldnt seem to come up with a "for-sure" list. Does it carry by state?
Thanks!

[michiganstud]

An officer here had a man with a CCW permit on a stop. In MI, a CCW carrier must disclose that info to the officer immediately. The officer went back to his car and ran his file, and what came up? A CCW!!! The idiot didn't disclose it.

So he took his gun, took his car, wrote all the proper citations, the guy will face many fines, etc.

Not disclosing here is not tolerated.

[txinvestigator1]

In Texas, a person with a CHL who is carrying a handgun must inform the officer that he has a CHL and provide the CHL to the officer.

If you are not carrying no disclosure is required.

[Big62]

MrMister, that's a good question. As far as disclosure is concerned, Tennessee is one of those states that doesn't require it. However, I think that it is WISE to do so, regardless.

[JeffNights]

Michiganstud, your post threw me off, It was my understanding that in our state that I dont have to present my CCW if i'm not currently carrying, so whats the deal?

[S43riff]

I was doing a minor traffic crash and I saw a ccw permit in the old guys wallet as he was getting his license. I said ..you have a weapon on you right now? he said yes, I asked what type and where. he said a small 25 cal in my right front pocket. I asked the other people to go to the other side of their car for me. I asked him ,,,does your trunk open, he said yes, I dont think it was affected in the crash,,,and he opened the trunk. I said this pocket here and retrieved it and put it into the trunk and closed it. I said lets keep that in there for now,,,you can retrieve it when we leave. HE was like...I was wondering why you had me open my trunk. He was a nice old man that was a retired fight manager. But no chances and no complaceny.

[sgtbear111]

Got in an argument once with a another Sgt. who stated that only cops should have and carry guns. He couldn't answer my question responding to that: "how many people have you arrested, for any crime, that just happened to be carrying with a valid permit?" He couldn't answer.

[dwf]

I don't get real excited about it. As long as they don't point their gun at me, I won't point mine at them. Like Sgtbear, I've yet to have a CCW carrier give me any kind of problem.

[txinvestigator1]

I mainly patrol federal highways and most people don't know that a state CCW isn't valid on one. .

Would you please explain what a Federal Highway is, and in what states they are in.

[KnightRider3702]

That is the best advice you can give any one. Be upfront and hand over the CCW permit and let them know you are armed.

What if you are exempted by the state law(and don't have too many officers familiar with the statute, sadly) and do not have nor are required to have a permit and are carrying?

(Please reference O.C.G.A. 16-11-130(a)(3) )

I have not really had an "experience" with this yet, but being that I am exempt by being active duty military and have carry rights in almost all the same places as an LEO according to above referenced statute, until my permit does actually come in does anyone predict any problems or issues for me?

[mcsap]

Active duty military are ONLY exempt while ON DUTY, not simply because you are currently an active member of the military. If you are not working than you are REQUIRED to have a CCW if you choose to carry concealed. ( at least in PA but I suspect in most every state)