Stopped by Highway Patrol

[Allen]

We just got back from a 1-day of 450 miles round trip to relatives for Thanksgiving dinner getting back home several hours after dark. Just got to thinking, which was my first mistake for the day.

A couple of years ago I was stopped by the State Patrol cause I neglected to slow down from 65 to 55 while going past an Indian Casino (just a warning, no ticket). We were driving to another town about 45 miles away for a doctor's appointment and thought we were going to be late since we didn't know the exact location of this particular dermotologist.

While going through my billfold looking for my driver's licence he saw my CCW permit (same state where the permit was issued) and asked if I had the pistol with me. I didn't at that time.
Questions for any suggestions:
1. Had I had the gun in the vehicle would he have wanted to see it
since he asked about it.
2. If I showed it to him would he have wanted me to give it to him,
and if so, since I had a permit would I have been required to give
it to him if he asked.
3. If I gave it to him could/would he have kept it and made me go to
headquarters or court to get it back.
4. I assume it would not be a good idea to lie about having the gun in
vehicle. And yes, it definitely would be loaded and within easy reach
for me.

Any one ever have this happen to them while traveling in the same state where they live and the permit is issued or even cross country in other states while on vacation?

The more I carry my little Kahr the more weird supposed events I come up with.

[SGT5711]

I can only speak for myself, but as a LEO, I have never asked to see a legally possessed firearm on a traffic stop. When I stop a CCW holder, they normally show me their permit and advise whether they are armed or not. I personally am not concerned if someone who is legally licensed is carrying a firearm. Often, I will ask what they carry just because it often leads to a good firearms discussion.

That being said, any firearm makes some LEO's extremely nervous. Nothing would surprise me with how some LEO's would handle such an encounter. You have to realize though, they are performing a dangerous job, and the dangers of the job have been thoroughly ingrained in their minds.

In my mind, a bad guy isn't usually going to be licensed, nor will they tell me they are armed. I just trust my instincts and I have never had a negative encounter with a CCW holder. I will add, a CCW holder usually always equals a warning with me. I also always thank them for carrying.

Sorry I couldn't answer your questions better, but each officer and each encounter could be very different. My best advice would be to yield as quickly and safely as possible once the officer initiates the traffic stop. Pull over as far off the road as possible, and simply keep both hands on your steering wheel. Follow the officers instructions as to what he/she needs from you, and you can tell them about any firearms in the vehicle before you get your wallet/insurance card. Last thing is to be friendly. You are much less likely to receive a ticket if you are friendly and don't challenge the officer. It is very easy to write an A-hole a ticket, but much harder to write a friendly person whom simply made a mistake. This advice isn't foolproof, but will usually work. Some cops, especially traffic cops, don't discriminate, they will write everyone no matter what you do.

Edit to add - Always follow the officer's instructions even if you don't agree or feel they are in the wrong. If you don't agree with how an officer handled a situation, you can and should file a formal complaint, but after the encounter.

[garyb]

Good advice SGT5711, from a pro.

Everyone has an opinion on how to handle the LEO. To respond to your comments: why hand over your entire billfold for the LEO to go through? Unnecessary IMO. I also do not see why you feel the officer would keep your firearm, as long as you are legally carrying. There is no reason to lie. Just be respectful, courteous, and tell the truth when asked a question. I'd even offer the information that I was carrying and hand over my carry permit. If the officer mistreats you, report him. I used to be a defensive tactics instructor for LEOs. I still socialize with LEOs. My best friend is an LEO. They are generally good people just like you and I and they are just doing their job. Sure there are bad LEO's. However, the friendlier and more secure and trustworthy you make them feel, will make the event go better for everyone.

[nimdabew]

Directly from a traffic cop: Hello Officer, before I move my hands from the wheel, I would like to inform you I have a concealed pistol on my person. How would you like to proceed?

This gets the jittery ones on alert (they usually get a call from dispatch saying the registered driver is a CPL holder) and puts all your cards on the table so they don't have any additional surprises. It also puts them in direct control by you verbally announcing that they are in control and you will comply with their orders, whatever they are.

The one time I got stopped and I said that, he asked where it was, where my wallet was, and where my CPL was. Since none of them were going to hind where my hands were by reaching in the general area, I stayed in my car. He came back with a ticket for speeding and a "I support the second amendment too. Have a good day."

Traffic cops :/

[Longitude Zero]

My state is a MUST NOTIFY. Meaning that if you are CCW AND have a weapon on you or in your vehicle you must notify the officer instantly at first contact. I have never asked to see the weapon, but if you have it you are mandated to show me your CCW license or be prepared to be questioned about your state of residence and its compliance with out CCW reciprocity laws ala Open Carry or Constitutional Carry.

It will be much simpler if your SDL/CCW are from the same state and if the license on your car confirms that (unless it is a rental which you must by my state statute produce the rental contract). It is better to notify than not regardless of local laws to avoid a potential issue later.

When I was on the road I have given CCW holders tickets at about the rate on non-CCW holders, in 99% of all stops I have made up my mind about issuing or not issuing the summons before I exit my car. As SGT5571 posted NEVER EVER argue as in the short term you will almost always LOOSE. Wait and contact a supervisor after the encounter is over.

[berettabone]

Maybe............Maybe...............Maybe........ .........YES.

[muggsy]

Every law enforcement officer is an individual. No one can speak for all officers, but I have always found that cooperating with a police officer and showing respect for them is the best course of action to take in general. I always announce that I am a CCW holder and that I am armed. In Ohio you are required to do so by law. If you don't and they run your license they will immediately know that you are a CCW holder. I have never had a bad experience with any Ohio police officer during a traffic stop.

[Bawanna]

No officer will ever ask or accept your whole wallet ever. That's why you always get the please take it out of the wallet, it's a life of covering your backside. It's also the first test to see if your drunk or on dope, you should see some of the stupid sh!t people do with their wallet when drunk. This also prevents you coming back and saying I had 300 bucks in my wallet and he took it.

I surmise that this officer was mostly interested in where the weapon was. I suspect as long as it stayed there and wasn't a threat or an issue in that respect he would not have asked to see it.

I don't know of any officer that would want to see it, I probably would if I was an officer just cause I want to see them all. If you have a permit and are legal to carry he should not take it.

We are not required to inform here in Washington and I only do so if /when it becomes an issue.

The be nice, be respectful and don't lie are words to live by.

[jocko]

in Indiana it is not required to tell them nuttin. NO BMV check will show u have a ccw permit either. If an officer would ask< I would answer otherwise I only answer what he asks of me.. U might think ur doin him a favor by telling him, but also not all officers feel we should have the right to carry.so why add gas to the fire. Take your ticket, shut the fokk up. talk nice, who knows may e ur both bangin the same gal and you have sumpin in common. Just sayin

[JERRY]

Know the state laws for which you travel, some require ccw disclosure if stopped by the police.....

on another note, nobody like surprises.... nobody wants to all of a sudden see a gun and who knows what happens next.

if the gun will never come in to play leave it alone. if there is a chance of exposure, come clean about it to avoid a situation....

[jocko]

probably helps alot to ,,,, to not look like a pothead.... Normally whe uy hae 24" wheels andtires almost flat on the ground on a 1962 chevy, IT DOES ATTRACT ATTENTION..

It always amazes me when i READ WHERE THE sTATE BOYS WILL bust a dope mover on a major highway becuase he had two busted tail lites or expired plates..

I guess nobody siad they had to have brains either.:amflag:

[Allen]

Thanks for all the replys, especially from the LEOs who took the time to respond so thoroughly. I just had no idea what to expect if the pistol had been in the vehicle, and how nervous it might make a Patrolman.
As for handing over my billfold, that never happened. The State Trooper was standing beside my door, asked to see my drivers license, and while I was fumbling through it to find my license (kind of nervous at this point since this was only my second stop in over 60 years of driving) my CCW permit happened to be right next to it. I didn't think he had all that good a line of sight as to what was in my billfold but he must have recognized it anyway. I expected to be reaching for registration and insurance papers but he never even asked for those.
He was very friendly, told me to slow down as I had plenty of time to reach the doctor's office, and to have a good appointment.
Believe me, I watch that 1/2 mile of 55 MPH limit now a lot closer. Guess the state figured we needed to slow down for all the frustrated distracted losers who might be leaving the casino.

[jocko]

I betur age is what got u off also. These cops understand that most 60+people are not a$$wipes and unless u were doing 100, they cut some slack.

I had a state cop about 4+ years ago stop me on morning in my Porsche going 132 MPH, he was so pissed as he cam eup to me car but when he shined the lite on me and see it was ol jocko who just that past week had taken him and two outer state boys on a nice 100 mile motorcycle ride, he said, Fokk had I know it was u I would have just kept goin. Lucky I guess..

[RRP]

Lucky I guess..

As the saying goes, "it's who you know, and who you....."

[Longitude Zero]

I betur age is what got u off also. These cops understand that most 60+people are not a$$wipes and unless u were doing 100, they cut some slack.

I had a state cop about 4+ years ago stop me on morning in my Porsche going 132 MPH, he was so pissed as he cam eup to me car but when he shined the lite on me and see it was ol jocko who just that past week had taken him and two outer state boys on a nice 100 mile motorcycle ride, he said, Fokk had I know it was u I would have just kept goin. Lucky I guess..

jocko you are lucking it wasn't me on that stop. At that speed I would have written a reckless driving ticket and impounded your car and hoisted your petard to the pokey. I always had a firm rule 100+ ALWAYS goes to jail no exceptions. I have always abided by the precept.

[TheTman]

Before the officer gets to my car, I already have my drivers license and CC permit ready to give them. They seem to appreciate that I give them the CC permit along with my DL. Everytime they've asked if I was carrying, and if so, where it was located. It's usually in my center console, while driving, so they ask me to not open it until they let me leave. I just keep my hands on the wheel, and when they ask for my registration and proof of insurance, I tell them they are in my glove box, and get them out while they watch. Never had a problem with an officer that way. They even seem to relax a little, I guess because seeing the CC permit they figure I must be an OK type of guy, and not some low life that couldn't pass a background check.

[ltxi]

Depends on the state. Unless required by law or otherwise necessary to bring up the subject...don't ask don't tell. Can't understand why this is so hard. It's not rocket surgery.

[jocko]

jocko you are lucking it wasn't me on that stop. At that speed I would have written a reckless driving ticket and impounded your car and hoisted your petard to the pokey. I always had a firm rule 100+ ALWAYS goes to jail no exceptions. I have always abided by the precept.

I didn't take u on a nice motorcycle ride a week earlier either. I admit I was lucky, never ask for any leniency either. It was a State cop also not a countie mountie, but he was also a good friend whom I have know for many years and it was 7;30 in the morning on a road that is 100 miles straight. Not making excuses but it is what it6 is.:amflag:

[ltxi]

Aw, man....making excuses/quit sucking up!

LZ....twisted panties. For those of us who live in open country, u&c 85 mph states, the occasional open road burst to 100 is normal.

[CJB]

Florida:

You present your name, the city of your residence. Am I being detained officer? I do not wish to speak with you, and do wish to remain silent. Am I free to go?

Officer Friendly will ask for your drivers licence, and registration, and proof of insurance.

No further words need be spoken.

[ltxi]

Officer Friendly will be put off by your upfront confrontational attitude. Justifiably so. Why you be such a prick about a traffic stop? In neither's best interest.

[OldLincoln]

In the late 80's I was driving a rental down one of the major freeways between cities and wanted to see just how fast those blokes were cruising that kept me in the middle lane. I sped up to 100 MPH (not KPH) and still had to stay in the middle lane. I just backed off to about 80 and smiled at them going by. Never did see a traffic officer.

[Longitude Zero]

LZ....twisted panties. For those of us who live in open country, u&c 85 mph states, the occasional open road burst to 100 is normal.

On the interstates maybe. On any other road it is suicidal stupidity! I would call non-interstate forays to triple digits, Darwin Recipients that cannot occur soon enough.

[Longitude Zero]

Florida:

You present your name, the city of your residence. Am I being detained officer? I do not wish to speak with you, and do wish to remain silent. Am I free to go?

Officer Friendly will ask for your drivers licence, and registration, and proof of insurance.

No further words need be spoken.

If the stop is a ticket opportunity only most officers prefer that the driver minimize flapping their pie hole. Be prepared to give your phone number and to be asked if the information on your license is correct.

[CJB]

Officer Friendly will be put off by your upfront confrontational attitude. Justifiably so. Why you be such a prick about a traffic stop? In neither's best interest.

Thats not being a prick. Thats just giving Officer Friendly what he needs by law, and nothing more.

It also lets Officer Friendly know that I know my rights, and sorry to say, here in Florida, the LEO's are caring less and less about those on a daily basis.

Illegal personal and vehicle searches are becoming the norm - with the officer always claiming the suspicion for whatever reason.

I do not need to provide a phone number, where I work, that number. I need not say where I'm going, or how long I've lived in Florida. I need not tell anyone about how much cash I'm carrying or how much money I make yearly. I need not discuss what school I attended, the names of my relatives, or anything else for that matter.... not being a prick, not participating in Officer Friendly's little mind game either.

As someone who's been in extended detention for wearing a "Bikers for McCain" tee shirt, and had his motorcycle confescated and impouned for charges that were all not only tossed out, but also tossed with a warning to the PD to never bring such charges again without evidence or he'd hold the Chief in contempt.....I think my outlook is justified.

[CJB]

Just for the record -

no license
no regiatration
(I'd forgotten my wallet at home)
no insurance
(Florida does not require it on MC's)
improper safety equipment
(steer horns on my helmet, and we're not required to wear helmets, and there's no law against funny hats)
blue dot on tail light
(WTF?... something about violation of antique vehicle statute)
and
"running straight pipes" on my exhaust which happened to be dead stock Harley Factory 1994 exhaust on the 1994 bike. They cited me for no EPA "sticker" even though its stock Harley engraved item. Officer Friendly even rammed his ASP up the muffler... hello ... MUFFLER and got it stuck there in the baffles and had to damn near yank the muffler off to get his ASP back.

They held me in the detention room at the PD for well over 2 hours. I was not free to go. I was then released and told my bike was at an impound yard about 8 miles away. And to have a nice day.

[garyb]

Does it pay to be nice?

[CJB]

Hey I was nice that day... and its the last fn time.

Freely admitted not having license or reg. OF did a computer search, found me, my license photo, address everything... in seconds. He stated I could produce the documents at the courthouse and pay a total of $10 for the trouble. Then he went postal on my bike.... whats the blue dot for. So folks can see the tail light better, it makes it appear brighter and stand out from the crowd in a sea of tail lights at night. How come your helmet has horns on it. I thought they'd make a nice stylish statement. Your exhaust isn't legal, its straight pipes ... I could hear you a mile away (I as doing 30 in a 35 zone in 3rd gear... nada). Well they're stock pipes, see they say Harley Davidson with the -94 on the part number denoting 1994. Thats when I was put in the car (not cuffed) and he want up the bikes ass with his ASP. Took it out with great showman's bravado as he opened it too. I was unfortunately one building over from the PD, so they took me inside that nice room with the blue and green painted walls, bright lights, and big mirror on one wall. Two hours of me pickin' my nose later, I got out, no bike, and a stack of tickets to sign.

Hey FWIW, my "incident" got the court really pissed at Ocean Ridge PD... I mean that judge was damn tired of them bringing **** to them for no reason. Yes, I chose to fight every one of the tickets, even the license and reg. tickets. The judge threw 'em all out, apologized for my ordeal... and ripped the PD a new one, and ordered them out of HIS courtroom.

A year later, OF was looking for new work.

OF's claim to fame was he worked at a New Jersey State vehicle inspection station "and he knew bikes". OF was in his early 60's, pudgy, wore a revolver, wore cop shorts with a purple stripe down the side, and wore cop sneakers with black socks and garters below the knee. The garters were sorta like 1950's black and white porno style.....

His kicker was when he stopped me. DO YOU HAVE ANY FN CLUE WHY I STOPPED YOU? Well, its not for speeding since I was a good five miles under the limit. YOU THINK I'M A FN REPUBLICAN? (at that point I'm WTF? then remembered my own tee shirt). LISTEN, I'M FROM JERSEY AND WE'RE ALL DEMOCRATS. (oh crap, I knew I was gonna get a ticket). GET OFF YOUR MOTORCYCLE AND LEAVE THE KEYS IN IT.... and so it went.

Being nice got me noplace. Now I give 'em what they need to have, not a word more.

[jocko]

and as we all know some officers SHOULD not be officers eihter. Just takes time to weed the driftwood out. Strap a gun on some of these officers and they ar ein a whole new command wolrd. I tink we all see it alot in small towns where if u can walk and write ur name, u might qualify for a job as a police officer in ur small town, which will pay u $30K a year. Kinda har dto get top notch talent at that salary.

I do think State Police offiers are far more qualifed to be wha tthey are than many other LEO places and positions, but again soe hav eto be weeded out to.

I ru/ride with some nice State troopers who when we get out on a cuntry road, they wnna open up the bikes and they do, Most are 15-25 year veterans of the department and are more concerned about ghetting home at nite for supper with the family than tryng to be rambo's. I wold love to see their ticket states from their first year as a road officers to one now after 15 years on the road...Just sayin

[JimC]

jocko you are lucking it wasn't me on that stop. At that speed I would have written a reckless driving ticket and impounded your car and hoisted your petard to the pokey. I always had a firm rule 100+ ALWAYS goes to jail no exceptions. I have always abided by the precept.

+1

Yup, that would be time for a set of Peerless bracelets quicker than you could say go. ;)

[Longitude Zero]

+1

Yup, that would be time for a set of Peerless bracelets quicker than you could say go. ;)

Agreed.

[ltxi]

On the interstates maybe. On any other road it is suicidal stupidity! I would call non-interstate forays to triple digits, Darwin Recipients that cannot occur soon enough.

Not much argument from me on that. What prompted my response was..... "I always had a firm rule 100+ ALWAYS goes to jail no exceptions."

No to light traffic averaging 80 or more on eastern Colorado plains interstate is a bit different from back country twisties around Kennebunkport, Maine. No question 'bout dat.

[ltxi]

Hey I was nice that day... and its the last fn time.

Freely admitted not having license or reg. OF did a computer search, found me, my license photo, address everything... in seconds. He stated I could produce the documents at the courthouse and pay a total of $10 for the trouble. Then he went postal on my bike.... whats the blue dot for. So folks can see the tail light better, it makes it appear brighter and stand out from the crowd in a sea of tail lights at night. How come your helmet has horns on it. I thought they'd make a nice stylish statement. Your exhaust isn't legal, its straight pipes ... I could hear you a mile away (I as doing 30 in a 35 zone in 3rd gear... nada). Well they're stock pipes, see they say Harley Davidson with the -94 on the part number denoting 1994. Thats when I was put in the car (not cuffed) and he want up the bikes ass with his ASP. Took it out with great showman's bravado as he opened it too. I was unfortunately one building over from the PD, so they took me inside that nice room with the blue and green painted walls, bright lights, and big mirror on one wall. Two hours of me pickin' my nose later, I got out, no bike, and a stack of tickets to sign.

Hey FWIW, my "incident" got the court really pissed at Ocean Ridge PD... I mean that judge was damn tired of them bringing **** to them for no reason. Yes, I chose to fight every one of the tickets, even the license and reg. tickets. The judge threw 'em all out, apologized for my ordeal... and ripped the PD a new one, and ordered them out of HIS courtroom.

A year later, OF was looking for new work.

OF's claim to fame was he worked at a New Jersey State vehicle inspection station "and he knew bikes". OF was in his early 60's, pudgy, wore a revolver, wore cop shorts with a purple stripe down the side, and wore cop sneakers with black socks and garters below the knee. The garters were sorta like 1950's black and white porno style.....

His kicker was when he stopped me. DO YOU HAVE ANY FN CLUE WHY I STOPPED YOU? Well, its not for speeding since I was a good five miles under the limit. YOU THINK I'M A FN REPUBLICAN? (at that point I'm WTF? then remembered my own tee shirt). LISTEN, I'M FROM JERSEY AND WE'RE ALL DEMOCRATS. (oh crap, I knew I was gonna get a ticket). GET OFF YOUR MOTORCYCLE AND LEAVE THE KEYS IN IT.... and so it went.

Being nice got me noplace. Now I give 'em what they need to have, not a word more.


Feel your pain, but taking your frustration out on the next, sane LEO you happen across ain't really the answer, imo.

[bob98366]

Feel your pain, but taking your frustration out on the next, sane LEO you happen across ain't really the answer, imo.

+1

Been stopped 4 times in 49 years of driving. Got 1 "have a nice day", 2 verbal warnings and 1 speeding ticket (in a newly placed speed trap). Was polite as heck, included the word "Sir" every time I responded to the officers' questions, looked at them when they spoke, and kept both hands on the steering wheel.

Worked for me. YMMV

[jocko]

clean livin I guess, Not sure about the JAIL NO EXCEPTION rule though, I would seriously doubt if u would take ur brother or sister or dad to jail. Personally I don't buy that statement but again I ain't you either. I know I would not take my brother or sister or mom or dad to jail. Just sayin

[Longitude Zero]

clean livin I guess, Not sure about the JAIL NO EXCEPTION rule though, I would seriously doubt if u would take ur brother or sister or dad to jail. Personally I don't buy that statement but again I ain't you either. I know I would not take my brother or sister or mom or dad to jail. Just sayin

I put my uncle in the pokey for aggravated felony DUI. I did not care and had ZERO sympathy for him. Still don't. When it comes to DUI I never gave ANYBODY a break. My parents and sister are intelligent enough not to operate a mv like an asshat and drive that fast.

[ltxi]

+1

Been stopped 4 times in 49 years of driving. Got 1 "have a nice day", 2 verbal warnings and 1 speeding ticket (in a newly placed speed trap). Was polite as heck, included the word "Sir" every time I responded to the officers' questions, looked at them when they spoke, and kept both hands on the steering wheel.

Worked for me. YMMV


Ahhh.....just gotta tell this. Best I can remember, the only time I called a cop "Sir" it was my then wife. And it did cost me a couch vacation.

[bob98366]

If she's your ex, then it was probably worth it...

[JimC]

clean livin I guess, Not sure about the JAIL NO EXCEPTION rule though, I would seriously doubt if u would take ur brother or sister or dad to jail. Personally I don't buy that statement but again I ain't you either. I know I would not take my brother or sister or mom or dad to jail. Just sayin

You're not my Brother, Sister Dad or Mom...just sayin'.

[jocko]

You're not my Brother, Sister Dad or Mom...just sayin'.

I thank God for that. One slug in ur family is enough:Amflag2:

[jocko]

I put my uncle in the pokey for aggravated felony DUI. I did not care and had ZERO sympathy for him. Still don't. When it comes to DUI I never gave ANYBODY a break. My parents and sister are intelligent enough not to operate a mv like an asshat and drive that fast.

ASSHAT, kinda hit a nerve guess-huh Well it sure looks like u had one member in your family tree that went south, so I would never sasy Never, in\ your case. Just sayin