Duty to inform laws?

[Marine Cpl]

I got pulled over for the first time in 7 or 8 years yesterday on the way home from the range. The cop got me doing 47 in a 30 (oops!).

When he asked me for my license, I told him that my license and my pistol permit were in my wallet, and that I had one on my hip. He responded that he knows where he's going when he dies and wasn't concerned.

After calling in my info, he gave me back my license and registration and asked what kind of motorcycle I ride. We talked for a bit and I was on my way - and no ticket.

I agree its none of his business if I'm carrying, but I'd prefer not to cause any surprises on the side of the road.


Sorry to bring things back on topic.

What surprises? It's concealed on your person right?

You ran into the 9 out of 10 cops that are good. It's the 1 out of 10 that should concern you. The one that makes you step out of the vehicle to disarm you for his safety.

I don't play the odds game. I want to go home too.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I think when this came up last time on the old forum, the consensus, well what could have been deemed a consensus, was that NOBODY who informed straight away suffered any negative repercussions as a result. Good enough for me. I'm not going to play the "it's none of their frigging business" game. Cuz in the end, I'd rather they didn't give me "the business" cuz I didn't inform.

Remember the Lockport guy who wasn't even driving that had his magazine counted? How about Officer Slappy?

You are correct that nothing bad has happened to any of us. We are like what 200 out of millions of encounters. We are more than likely going to run into a sensible cop. But what happens when you run into the one cop that thinks you shouldn't be armed or is so afraid of his own shadow that he shoots an old man with a cane?

I don't play games with odds. I mean the cop no harm so he is safe. Telling him I'm armed isn't going to make him any safer. My gun is concealed properly so he will not see it to cause alarm for himself.

 

[Marine Cpl]

This is the one percent you should fear.

Concealed Carrier Has Firearm Taken And Disassembled By Police During Routine Traffic Stop, Is Then Searched

 

[Marine Cpl]

Or this one.

Man’s Facebook post about traffic stop goes viral again

 

[Marine Cpl]

Or this one.

‘You Fu** With Me!’: Cop Threatens to Kill Concealed Carry Gun Owner During Traffic Stop

 

[Marine Cpl]

Or this one.

Driver files complaint after traffic stop in Rosenberg

 

[Justincase]

This is the one percent you should fear.

Concealed Carrier Has Firearm Taken And Disassembled By Police During Routine Traffic Stop, Is Then Searched

I do remember that. Think about it though. If that cop goes berserk when you tell him up front that you're carrying, what makes you think he won't go even more batshit crazy when you don't and he finds out? Remember the guy in Ohio who tried like ten times to tell the cop he was carrying and the cop finally got his head out of his ass long enough to figure it out and went all nutso? I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure I don't cause that reaction. Likely or not. Warranted or not. Ymmv

 

[Marine Cpl]

I do remember that. Think about it though. If that cop goes berserk when you tell him up front that you're carrying, what makes you think he won't go even more batshit crazy when you don't and he finds out? Remember the guy in Ohio who tried like ten times to tell the cop he was carrying and the cop finally got his head out of his ass long enough to figure it out and went all nutso? I'm going to do whatever I can to make sure I don't cause that reaction. Likely or not. Warranted or not. Ymmv

You aren't a criminal. If you get pulled over it'll be for a traffic violation that requires your license and registration leading to the issuance of a ticket. There is no need for you to exit the vehicle. Think about that.

Telling him gives him cause to proceed in other ways.

If you don't say anything and he doesn't ask as per law since he cannot ask, all you get is a ticket or warning just like the rest of the hundreds of motorists he's stopped.

 

[Justincase]

Or this one.

Driver files complaint after traffic stop in Rosenberg

That was total bullshit. So, what if the driver lies and says he has nothing on him, but is found to be carrying. That shitty and unfair situation he encountered escalates even more. That dickhead cop was jonesing for something like that. Nothing likely would have prevented that from happening.

 

[Justincase]

You aren't a criminal. If you get pulled over it'll be for a traffic violation that requires your license and registration leading to the issuance of a ticket. There is no need for you to exit the vehicle. Think about that.

Telling him gives him cause to proceed in other ways.

You're right about there being no need for me to exit the vehicle, but honestly, I'm not the kind of person who could refuse to step out of the vehicle if asked. I wish I could be that assertive, but I'm not. That being said, I've never been asked to get out of the car while being pulled over, but I'd not want to tempt fate I guess.

 

[masterswimmer]

Every situation needs to be evaluated on its own merits.

My intentions have always been to politely disclose by having my license, insurance card and permit sitting on the dash above the steering wheel with my hands at 10 & 2. About this time one year ago I was stopped for speeding. No biggie I knew my plan. Things changed a bit when the officer approaching my car turned out to be a woman. Yes, I know they're all trained the same way, but I didn't feel comfortable with the possibility that she might have felt threatened because of my size. Change of plans. I did not disclose. She didn't ask. I got my ticket and we both went to our respective homes safe and sound that night.

Would my disclosure have changed the above events? Who the hell knows? But I felt better, and survived just fine.

Each situation needs to stand on its own merits.

 

[Marine Cpl]

You're right about there being no need for me to exit the vehicle, but honestly, I'm not the kind of person who could refuse to step out of the vehicle if asked. I wish I could be that assertive, but I'm not. That being said, I've never been asked to get out of the car while being pulled over, but I'd not want to tempt fate I guess.

I'm not saying to refuse to step out. All I'm saying is that when they ask you for a licence and registration, you produce just that. Nothing more, nothing less.

Since you aren't a criminal, after he runs your license, you will be issued a ticket or a warning. The only way you will ever be asked to step out of the vehicle is if he suspects you are someone else and suspects you of a crime.

In that extremely unlikely case, you respond with a, "I'm a licensed concealed carrier and am armed. How would you like me to proceed?"

This is all done with your hands on the steering wheel. At that point you comply with all commands. But to put yourself into that situation voluntarily for no reason if you do get that one bad cop for a routine stop is dangerous in my opinion.

 

[kev74]

What surprises? It's concealed on your person right?

You ran into the 9 out of 10 cops that are good. It's the 1 out of 10 that should concern you. The one that makes you step out of the vehicle to disarm you for his safety.

I don't play the odds game. I want to go home too.

There are a couple of odds games going on during a traffic stop. One is whether or not the cop is going to go batshit when I tell him I have a pistol permit and am carrying. Another is whether or not the cop is going to flip when he sees a funny lump under my shirt when I reach across the truck for the registration.

I don't blame anyone for claming up, and if the cop seemed like he was playing games, I probably wouldn't have said anything.

 

[Justincase]

I gotcha, Will. That makes sense too.

Who knows what I'll do really. I'll probably be so nervous, and torn between informing or not, that I'll likely start mumbling and twitching, and just pull it out and yell "Here's my gun!". Should end up just fine.

 

[Marine Cpl]

There are a couple of odds games going on during a traffic stop. One is whether or nor the cop is going to go batshit when I tell him I have a pistol permit and am carrying. Another is whether or not the cop is going to flip when he sees a funny lump under my shirt when I reach across the truck for the registration.

I don't blame anyone for claming up, and if the cop seemed like he was playing games, I probably wouldn't have said anything.

No offense but why do you have a bulge in your shirt if concealed properly and why is your registration in the glovebox? The registration should be folded up right behind your license in your wallet.

I even have my wallet on my lap by the time he approaches. As soon as I see the lights behind me, the wallet comes out and is on my lap.

 

[kev74]

No offense but why do you have a bulge in your shirt if concealed properly and why is your registration in the glovebox? The registration should be folded up right behind your license in your wallet.

I even have my wallet on my lap by the time he approaches. As soon as I see the lights behind me, the wallet comes out and is on my lap.

I don't keep my registration in my wallet. I've got a car, truck and a couple of bikes that both me and my wife use. The registrations would all be gone if we had to exchange paperwork all the time.

Additionally, I think digging around for paperwork before the cop gets to the car looks more shady than waiting with my hands on the steering wheel.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I don't keep my registration in my wallet. I've got a car, truck and a couple of bikes that both me and my wife use. The registrations would all be gone if we had to exchange paperwork all the time.

Additionally, I think digging around for paperwork before the cop gets to the car looks more shady than waiting with my hands on the steering wheel.

Different strokes for different folks.

I don't keep registrations in the glovebox for 2 reasons. One is that I don't want to be reaching for anything during a traffic stop and the other because if your car is broken into or stolen, the thief now has your name and address. That could also go for a stalking pervert interested in a female family member, guy you cut off at the Walmart parking lot, ect. Once you or your family member parks the car, tbe perp has the address with nothing more than a broken window for his efforts

I make quality copies of all the registrations front and back and we all carry copies of all the vehicle registrations in our wallets along with insurance cards.

As far as the cop seeing you reaching for something, they do not have eagle eyes while their lights are on and they are 2 to 10 car lengths behind you. As soon as the lights come on behind me, the wallet comes out. I've never been asked about what I was reaching for because they cannot see it. If asked, the wallet on my lap would be the evidence of what I was reaching for.

 

[GOPerfect]

I think that many people are paranoid. Just my opinion.

 

[Marine Cpl]

I think that many people are paranoid. Just my opinion.

Yep.

 

[Criticalt]

I must be crazy because I don't see any problem with the OPs question.
Sure, he could have introduced himself first but whatever.
He had a gun related question, he came to a gun related forum.
Its not like he asked, "should I shoot first and ask questions later?"
Geesh, settle down.

 

[Day444]

I was recently stopped by a New Windsor Police Officer. I had my head in a dark place and rolled threw a stop sign. Cop was very decent, explained what I had done. Asked for my registration and licence and nothing more. (I keep my reg. and insurance papers clipped to my sun visor. No reaching around into places an Officer can't see.) He ran my info. returned to my car, and told me to be more careful next time I come to that stop sign. He didn't issue me a ticket. I was armed, I never informed the Officer and he never asked about weapons. All in all a fair stop, a decent Officer who was doing his job, and a good out come for me.

 

[Cleck]

I've never been pulled over while carrying, but I'd like to think I'd inform them, just for the hell of it. The cop I did a ridealong with 2 weeks ago was a cool guy, we had a great time, but he said he'd disarm me if I told him. He said he'd appreciate being told, but he'd disarm me. I have no problem with that, whatever makes him feel safer.

I got pulled over while driving back from Colorado w/ @NirvanaFan, but I wasn't carrying. What I was carrying while we were out was locked under the seat because we went in for dinner an hour before. Didn't inform him because I didn't think it'd be an issue. Left that encounter w/ a warning and a business card

 

[Doc8404]

last time I got a 1180D on the thruway was in my wifes Subadoo, it was loaded with rifle cases and camping gear. The nice trooper walked up to the passenger side, tapped on the window, when I rolled down the window he said "in a hurry to go hunting" I said yes sir, he said Where ya headed, I said Up near A-Bay.~~~we then had a 20 minute conversation on hunting the Adirondacks and what is the best gun for deer.....I was actually beginning to think I was talking my way out of a ticket....stupid me

oh well, he was a really nice guy freak'n ticket cost me $180 though

During the conversation did you say, "would you consider issuing me a warning?"
Worked for me.

 

[NirvanaFan]

I've never been pulled over while carrying. My current thought is that I will not inform the officer unless I think it will be discovered. If I'm asked to step out of the car for some reason, I will say something like, "Officer, I am licensed to carry a firearm and am doing so now. How would you like me to proceed?" I think saying "I am licensed" before saying that you I'm armed is a wise decision. I see no reason to inform them and possibly put them on edge if it's not needed.

I have been carrying while going through a DUI/registration checkpoint. I didn't inform them.

I've also been pulled over and asked if I was carrying (before the court decision forbidding it came down). I was driving around with a temporary inspection trying to get the codes of my crappy Cavalier to register. I was pulled over by an Irondequoit town cop. After asking for my license and registration, he asked me if I had any weapons in the car. After I said no, he specifically asked me if I had any pistols in the car.

 

[speedkills27]

I have yet to be in this situation, but have decided that I will NOT be informing, unless for some reason I have to get out of the truck, or move around inside where I might expose the weapon. I keep my "papers" on the driver side sun visor, and most the time my wallet is the cup holder that way I don't have to dig around the truck needlessly. I just dont see what good can come of offering up info that wasn't requested. I know a good number of officers whose attitudes range from "give their mom a ticket" to "lets most people slide", and on the off chance I encounter an officer having a bad day, Im only making it harder on myself by adding another element to the stop. I have the right to remain silent and typically use that right, respectfully, with most police encounters.

 

[Ma Deuce]

I've never been pulled over while carrying. My current thought is that I will not inform the officer unless I think it will be discovered. If I'm asked to step out of the car for some reason, I will say something like, "Officer, I am licensed to carry a firearm and am doing so now. How would you like me to proceed?" I think saying "I am licensed" before saying that you I'm armed is a wise decision. I see no reason to inform them and possibly put them on edge if it's not needed.

I have been carrying while going through a DUI/registration checkpoint. I didn't inform them.

I've also been pulled over and asked if I was carrying (before the court decision forbidding it came down). I was driving around with a temporary inspection trying to get the codes of my crappy Cavalier to register. I was pulled over by an Irondequoit town cop. After asking for my license and registration, he asked me if I had any weapons in the car. After I said no, he specifically asked me if I had any pistols in the car.

Are you from Irondequoit?

 

[NirvanaFan]

Are you from Irondequoit?

I live there now, yes.

 

[Glenn B]

"Don't talk to the cops" still works for me.

Shit, you have been talking to them here since NY GUN FORUM opened for business. It's just the way it is - there is a gun forum - the cops are in it - some as RKBA loving participants and others as spies for the G.

 

[Jmac00]

ok, I do have one funny ~~~but not at the time~~~incident
Me and the wife were headed south on Creek st in Webster, or is that Penfield? anyway, I had the suspension on the Goldwing set to low, with the wife riding bitch and we went through the S-turn a little too hot and low sided. I was going all of 30mph but the bike slid out....and down we went.

Long story short. someone called for an ambulance? By the time the Penfield Volunteers showed up I had the bike up and just checking out the really cool road rash I got on my left shoulder. soon after a Monroe County Sheriff showed up. I was in the bus getting my shoulder cleaned up and the sheriff was talking to the wife, he came in the bus and asked how I was doing, I said fine he asked for my papers and I handed him my driver's license, insurance card and my pistol permit.

The poor guy looked at my pistol permit, he turned it over and looked at the back and then gave me a very quizzical look. I said, Im carrying the Ruger, I figured you would want to know. The sheriff got this stupid smile on his face and he said "are you sure, or do I have to go looking through that nice ladies yard for a gun" I started to laugh and said "thats the second thing I made sure was alright and secure" he said what was the first " I said "the wife of course" Has he's handing the permit back to me he said " Here, as long as you're ok, thats all that matters" Then my wife in the background says "he may not be later tonight" The Sheriff looked at me and said "Good luck dude" You want to drive it home or you want a tow truck" I said it didn't even get a scratch on her....or the bike" the cop started laughing again and said "great, I'm going to get a death certificate with your name on it, late tonight aren't I" and I jumped on the bike and drove home....and the bike got a little scratch on the left side crash bars, those Japs know exactly where to put the crash bars.

and it turns out I cracked a couple ribs. I don't recommend the cracked rib thing, that part sucked

 

[livingston]

I feel gun poor after looking at these photos...