Concealed Carry license and traffic stops. Penna

[John222]

For instance, when pulled over for a traffic stop generally the police run your plates. When they pull up that info, will they know you have a concealed carry permit before approaching the car?

[jocko]

not in Indiana....

[Bawanna]

Not usually from the plate. In some states they will see that information when they run a driver or passenger.

[TheTman]

I don't think they do in Kansas, but I always have my CC permit handy along with my Drivers License and hand them both to the officer, and the LEO's have often said thanks for the extra CC info, and asked where my gun was, and then ask me to keep my hand visible. I usually have to get my proof of insurance out of my glove box, so I ask then to watch while I get that out, then leave my hands on the wheel until they are done with me.
I think having the CC permit assures them I'm one of the good guys, and they often become a bit friendlier after I hand then my permit and we get the where is the gun and please keep your hands awat from the area out of the way.

[jocko]

I remember onc e asking one of our finest in my little home town and he said BMV reports never show a ccw permit and a check on wants and outstanding warrants only will show that and nothing more. Mid u he may not know jack sh-t either on this, so my next person to check out is one of my state cop buddies. I just don't thin Indiana lets that crap out as not to long ago, under some act, the news media was able toget a list of ccw permit holders in Indiana and Immediately it wa challenged by the NRA group in Indiana and it was stopped dead in it tracks... Hell who knows either.

[MikeyKahr]

In Ohio when an LEO runs your plate, they will know if one of the owners of the vehicle has a CHL license. Sorry to say I don't know if it's the same in PA or not. I would check www.pafoa.org.

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[sierrajb]

Actually, it was highly recommended in my CHL class that I show BOTH licenses upon becoming stopped. I've done that three times already (only one resulted in a ticket), and the officers appreciate it.

[jdlott74]

Actually, it was highly recommended in my CHL class that I show BOTH licenses upon becoming stopped. I've done that three times already (only one resulted in a ticket), and the officers appreciate it.

It was not only RECOMMENDED but when my DH got his initially you HAD to show your CHL if you were carrying. If we aren't carrying then, no you do not have to show your CHL. As far as the cops knowing you have a CHL, YES, here in TX, if they pull your DL, then they automatically know you have a CHL. Now, in 2007, they changed the law where you don't have to have a CHL if are carrying in your car, but if you are carrying outside of your vehicle, then you need a CHL.

[TriggerMan]

For instance, when pulled over for a traffic stop generally the police run your plates. When they pull up that info, will they know you have a concealed carry permit before approaching the car?In Michigan, YES

[dirtengineer]

In Alaska you don't have to have a permit to carry, but you do have to inform the police that you are carrying when you are contacted.

[guido4198]

Can't answer your question, but I can provide a couple of suggestions for anyone who might not know from someone who's been on both sides of a traffic stop:
When you're pulled over, after safely bringing your vehicle to a stop, place your hands on the top of your steering wheel and keep them there...fully in view of the approaching officer. After the initial "greeting", when the officer asks to see your documents...tell him ( or her) where they are, and exactly what you're going to do next...before moving your hands. e.g.: "those papers are in the glove box...I'll get them out". Stay calm and civil. REGARDLESS of who is "right". If you believe it's a bogus stop, you can argue your position with a judge. You ain't gonna win an argument on the side of the road....and the more you try...the faster the encounter will go "downhill" for you.

[John222]

The reason for my questions is I carry very infrequently. So technically I shouldn't have to tell them anything. But if they know I have a permit when they run my plate (even though I'm not carrying) and I don't tell them... They might be watching me with a very jaundiced eye and maybe get a little jumpy... Or even throw me up against the side of the car even though I'm not carrying.

I might have to call the state police and ask that question.

I'm just cautions. I'm like guido above. I keep all my papers on my visor so when I'm pulled over my hands are on the wheel with my papers.

[sierrajb]

It was not only RECOMMENDED but when my DH got his initially you HAD to show your CHL if you were carrying. If we aren't carrying then, no you do not have to show your CHL. As far as the cops knowing you have a CHL, YES, here in TX, if they pull your DL, then they automatically know you have a CHL. Now, in 2007, they changed the law where you don't have to have a CHL if are carrying in your car, but if you are carrying outside of your vehicle, then you need a CHL.

Thanks for the clarification. What I meant to say was "even if you are NOT carrying, then it was highly recommended, but REQUIRED if you WERE carrying." Yes, according to the Texas Castle Law, your vehicle is a part of your "castle", therefore a CHL is not required to carry in your car (or home, or boat...).

[Longitude Zero]

In OK you are REQUIRED to notify the officer imstantly after first contact IF YOU HAVE A LEGALLY CONCEALED WEAPON. If you are CCW and ARE NOT CARRYING you are not required to reveal anything and it will not come up on a DMV check.

[ltxi]

For instance, when pulled over for a traffic stop generally the police run your plates. When they pull up that info, will they know you have a concealed carry permit before approaching the car?

Not in PA

[BEARDOG]

In Ohio when an LEO runs your plate, they will know if one of the owners of the vehicle has a CHL license. Sorry to say I don't know if it's the same in PA or not. I would check www.pafoa.org.


+1 ^This
PAFOA.org... Highly recommend you sign up there, it is a great forum, lots of good info.



In PA you are not suppose to say anything. It definitely varies state to state, but if you were able to get your carrying permit in the first place, I doubt the officer has anything to worry about. Telling him/her only makes them nervous for a simple traffic violation. It has nothing to do with respect.

+1 ^ This too.
It will/could only make extra trouble for a simple traffic stop.

[QuercusMax]

This whole thing illustrates one of the great weaknesses of the USA compared to other countries. In the USA, you can be legal one minute, travel a mile down the road, and be illegal - and ignorance of the law is no excuse. States' rights rein supreme - mostly a good thing - but sometimes a curse.

Talking on your cell phone, window tint, motorcycle helmet - you name it - legal one moment, illegal the next.

And then you add in all of the many different law enforcement organizations we have at different levels of government, different training, different rules, etc. Some good, some definitely not.

I am left with little confidence that I am safe - from our laws, from our government, and from its various agents.

I have lived many years in several European countries - where some of our freedoms (such as gun ownership and possession) do not exist - but on the positive side each of the ones I experienced also had uniformity of laws and enforcement across the country, so you always knew where you stood. Not so in our country.

Some things are better here; some things are not. I want the best of both!

[CJB]

Not in Fl, CWP's are run by the Dept of Agriculture!

[KMA]

For instance, when pulled over for a traffic stop generally the police run your plates. When they pull up that info, will they know you have a concealed carry permit before approaching the car?

Not necessarily, it varies from state to state. I always inform the officer no matter if I have to or not.

[muggsy]

In Ohio when an LEO runs your plate, they will know if one of the owners of the vehicle has a CHL license. Sorry to say I don't know if it's the same in PA or not. I would check www.pafoa.org.

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That only works if the car is registered to the CCW permit holder. The car I drive is registered in my wife's name.

[skiflydive]

I can't think of any good reason why you wouldn't tell the LEO you have a CPL...armed or not. Several Kahrtalk posts would indicate that the outcome of the stop was better when the CPL was disclosed.

[ltxi]

Because I've never seen any point to it....absent having to exit the vehicle.

[rholmes69]

NC, not tied to the plate but your DL. You don't have to inform them if you are NOT carrying and have your CHP, but it makes them mighty jumpy when they come back from running your license. Always a courtesy to tell them upfront you have CHP but are NOT carrying should that be the case. Additionally, you must inform an officer if you are carrying, regardless if they make initial contact or you do.

[muggsy]

Not in Fl, CWP's are run by the Dept of Agriculture!

Do they know if you are carrying when you fertilize? :)

[muggsy]

NC, not tied to the plate but your DL. You don't have to inform them if you are NOT carrying and have your CHP, but it makes them mighty jumpy when they come back from running your license. Always a courtesy to tell them upfront you have CHP but are NOT carrying should that be the case. Additionally, you must inform an officer if you are carrying, regardless if they make initial contact or you do.

Wouldn't it be easier to just obey the traffic laws and not get pulled over in the first place? Just sayin'.

[jdlott74]

NC, not tied to the plate but your DL. You don't have to inform them if you are NOT carrying and have your CHP, but it makes them mighty jumpy when they come back from running your license. Always a courtesy to tell them upfront you have CHP but are NOT carrying should that be the case. Additionally, you must inform an officer if you are carrying, regardless if they make initial contact or you do.


Rholmes, correct me if I am wrong, but isn't it NC that you can also open carry as long as it is no the seat beside you or within plain sight and that is legal in NC?

[jdlott74]

Wouldn't it be easier to just obey the traffic laws and not get pulled over in the first place? Just sayin'.

Muggsy do you EVER quit with the smart remarks...What's with you? CRAP happens, you drive faster than you thought you were, you don't realize you have a tail light out, LEO stops you. You can be a LAW ABIDING CITIZEN and still get stopped for something you didn't realize you did. Your crap stinks just like the rest of us and you are not perfect either. I'm sure you have gotten pulled at one time or another for something.

[QuercusMax]

Wouldn't it be easier to just obey the traffic laws and not get pulled over in the first place? Just sayin'.

There is no way that any citizen - law-abiding or not - can be sure to avoid this.

Any LEO knows that if they want to stop someone, all they have to do is follow the person for a few minutes and they can always find something they can use to justify a traffic stop.

We already have far too many laws, and thousands of "law makers" on the job every day making more.

[Disapointed]

Muggsy do you EVER quit with the smart remarks...What's with you? CRAP happens, you drive faster than you thought you were, you don't realize you have a tail light out, LEO stops you. You can be a LAW ABIDING CITIZEN and still get stopped for something you didn't realize you did. Your crap stinks just like the rest of us and you are not perfect either. I'm sure you have gotten pulled at one time or another for something.

jdlott74, you're killing me!!! Muhahahaha :D
2 things:
1) Can I make a request that no one on this forum ever uses the slang "Just Sayn" ever again? It makes you sound like a middle schooler trying to put their antognistic 2 cents in. Just Saying... P.S. This is not a troll.

2) In NV, you can carry a loaded pistol in the vehicle anywhere you want without a CCW. I have a CCW, so put my pistol on the floorboard, when driving for comfort sake. Been pulled over 3 times since having one in the last 8 years. I never informed Jonny be Good, he never asked. I'm positive it comes up when running state Id.

[jlottmc]

So when did she use the just sayin bit? Perhaps one would do well to be technically and tactically proficient. You can also carry like that in TX too, which was not the point she was making. Her point was directed to a poster. Her point and I will certainly attest to this part, is that if a LEO wants to stop you, you can expect to see party lights in your rear view mirror.
Just sayin'

[LaP]

Muggsy do you EVER quit with the smart remarks...What's with you? CRAP happens, you drive faster than you thought you were, you don't realize you have a tail light out, LEO stops you. You can be a LAW ABIDING CITIZEN and still get stopped for something you didn't realize you did. Your crap stinks just like the rest of us and you are not perfect either. I'm sure you have gotten pulled at one time or another for something.


I'm 58 years old. I have never received a moving traffic violation or vehicle equipment related violation... NEVER.
Hmmmm, maybe because I drive the speed limit, use turn signals, don't tailgate, check my rearview mirror...etc. So, if your implying that only "unlucky" people get pulled over, I guess I am living in that perfect non-crap world.:cool:

[1radman]

Here In Virginia the police can access ccw permit info on a plate check. My initial training for my permit stated that you are NOT required to inform the officer that you're in possession of your weapon. HOWEVER on my first encounter with LE, the officer politely informed me otherwise. He knew before he stepped out of his car that I had a permit. Since then I ALWAYS hand the cop my permit along with my license and tell him I'm carrying and I keep my hands where he can see em!
Of the 3 traffic stops while carrying, I've gotten out of at least 4 tickets....
I think because I was respectful and honest up front and they appreciate that and that most of them know who the good guys are and are not interested in hassling us.

[yote]

Not in Arizona. Does not come up with a plate or driver's license check. Lying about your carry status during a traffic stop is arrestable.

[Bill K]

Here in Connecticut you're not required to inform the police of having a Pistol Permit or that you have a gun on you or in the car. I do not know whether or not the information is available to the Officer via the plates or driver license.

Last time I was stopped by a police officer was to tell me that a brake light was out. No ticket.

[Hawkeye]

I know this is an older thread. I searched the Forum rules and could not find anything about posting on an older thread vs. starting a new thread. So, I will start with this older one.

I recently rented and shot a CM9 and liked it very much. I am now awaiting delivery of one I ordered. I live in Virginia. I am planning on getting my CCW though I would only carry infrequently.

My question relates to notifying a LEO if I am stopped traveling out-of-state--especially NY. We occasionally visit our son in upstate NY. Having lived there myself at one time I know how firearm-phobic they are.

It is very unlikely I would ever carry a firearm outside of Virginia. But, I am not clear about the notify LEO requirement. I see from other posts that it varies by state if a LEO will know if you have a CCW permit as a result of checking your records on a traffic stop. No one mentioned NY. Just because I have a CCW would I be required to notify a NY LEO if stopped? And, would I need to have the permit with me even though I did not have a weapon?

Logically, my mind tells me if you aren’t carrying a weapon you shouldn’t have to be carrying the permit. But law is not always logical, especially when it involves NY and guns.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Bawanna]

Out of state muddies all waters. New York probably wouldn't be able to tell you have a permit.

If you don't have a weapon I agree you shouldn't have to have the permit but I keep mine in my wallet right next to my driver license always.

I don't advise an officer of a weapon during a traffic stop unless he ask or if I were asked to exit a vehicle. Not likely since I don't commit major violations.

Any state should be able to tell if you have a permit with just your name and date of birth. They may have to look it up specifically but they can do it.

We aren't required to advise here and on the rare occasions I leave the state I would not advise either but be polite and honest if they do ask.

I wouldn't go to New York on a very large bet so that's not an issue for me.

[jocko]

I agreewith thecolone. If not asked, shut thefokk up. If ur speeding, ur gonna gaet a ticket if ur an out of stater, so be polite show him exactly what he asks for and IMO uttin else.

[otium]

As far as NY is concerned I would think since your VA CCW license is not recognized by NY (NY does not recognize any other states' license), that pretty much makes your license a "null and void" piece of paper while you are in NY. I would think it would not be subject to any specific notification expectations.

[Tinman507]

Hawkeye,

Check this site out. http://www.handgunlaw.us/
Gives all the states and their reciprocity with other states. I wouldn't carry into NY on a bet.

[ParabellumJ]

As far as NY is concerned I would think since your VA CCW license is not recognized by NY (NY does not recognize any other states' license), that pretty much makes your license a "null and void" piece of paper while you are in NY. I would think it would not be subject to any specific notification expectations.

This is exactly right. Before you carry out of state you need to verify if the states you are traveling to recognize your license. If not you are in violation of those states law.

[Bawanna]

This is exactly right. Before you carry out of state you need to verify if the states you are traveling to recognize your license. If not you are in violation of those states law.

Which means you have to immediately look around and see if you can find anyone that cares.

I've looked numerous times and failed to find anyone yet.

Be good, drive legal, keep your vehicle up to snuff and don't worry too much. This is still America.

[xsailer]

In the two classes I've had both were taught by off duty Police. They suggested unless asked don't mention anything about CC. They said don't invite an over zealous officer or a newbie to get in your face.

[ParabellumJ]

Which means you have to immediately look around and see if you can find anyone that cares.

I've looked numerous times and failed to find anyone yet.

Be good, drive legal, keep your vehicle up to snuff and don't worry too much. This is still America.

I can guarantee if found with a weapon on you in a state that does not recognize your license the cop and the judge will care. It's a felony, and a defense of "this is still America" isn't a strong one. You can do as you like, but I would prefer to not knowingly commit a felony with a firearm.

[jocko]

In the two classes I've had both were taught by off duty Police. They suggested unless asked don't mention anything about CC. They said don't invite an over zealous officer or a newbie to get in your face.

a very common sense statement by a cop.:amflag:

[jocko]

In the two classes I've had both were taught by off duty Police. They suggested unless asked don't mention anything about CC. They said don't invite an over zealous officer or a newbie to get in your face.

a very common sense statement by a cop.:amflag:

I think it pays alot also to not be a DICK kwhen pulled over. Be polite,do what asked, and ur ot gonna get harrassed by a cop. They are not pullin u over becuase they know u got a gun but because u violated some traffic law which willgetu a ticket at best and if ur anol foggy likeOl jocko, many times they will let me go. Ihave been let go many times on myhARLEY AFTER THE COP WHO PULLED me over realized I was 70 and ready to die,so they let me go with a warning and sometimes just general conversation once he knew I was an OK person.I can tell in asecondif the cop who pulled meover is gonna be a DICK andI go right into my "yessir" mode:amflag: andif I amcrraying in a NO NO stateu can bet ur sweet ass I am in a yes sir mode..:amflag:

[Hawkeye]

As far as NY is concerned I would think since your VA CCW license is not recognized by NY (NY does not recognize any other states' license), that pretty much makes your license a "null and void" piece of paper while you are in NY. I would think it would not be subject to any specific notification expectations.

Thanks. That makes sense to me. I know about the reciprocity list and have previously viewed the link given by Tinman.

We loved living in upstate NY. We were near the Finger Lakes. It is very rural and beautiful. But they have two issues: 1. being in the same state as NYC, big city laws tend to spill over, 2. the economy sucks (not unrelated to #1).

Having grown up in the Midwest, and with guns, New York’s phobia for guns was alarming to me. I remember one time someone found a very old rusty revolver buried in their yard. The story was on the first or second page of the local paper. There was no implication that it was involved in a crime or anything like that. But you would have thought it was a piece of plutonium. Funny if it wasn’t so sad.

[Hawkeye]

a very common sense statement by a cop.:amflag:

Ihave been let go many times on myhARLEY AFTER THE COP WHO PULLED me over realized I was 70 and ready to die,so they let me go with a warning and sometimes just general conversation once he knew I was an OK person.:

I'm the same age but ride a 2005 Triumph Bonneville. (Hopefully, I won't be dying any time soon.) Knock on wood, the last time I was pulled over for a moving violation was about 35 years ago on a crotch rocket. Just as I entered an S-curve I saw a state trooper entering the other end. I was doing about 75 and hit the brakes hard. This was in the stupid double-nickle era. He made a U-ee, and pulled me over.

The trooper seemed like a nice guy but was enamored with his new toy--moving radar. He asked me to sit in the patrol car while he demo'd it. He showed me that it was set for an alarm to go off at 70. Then he had to reach up and hit a button to lock in the speed. He said, "You must have really pulled it down fast." The speed that was locked in was 65. He wrote me up for 10 over.

I considered the moving radar downright unsportsmanlike and could have lived without the demo.

[AJChenMPH]

Back to the original question: in PA, apparently (from what I've read on PAFOA) the answer is it depends on who pulls you over.

If a local LEO pulls you over, s/he and his/her agency likely won't have access to the state's licensing database. (In PA, while the county sheriff does the licensing, it is a state license and the information is sent back to PA State Police.) However, if a PA state trooper pulls you over, s/he likely will be told by the dispatcher if you have a LTCF. Whether it's tied to your car registration or your driver's license, I don't know. And it's supposedly not legal that they do that.

As far as I know, under PA law you're not required to inform the officer you're carrying. As of right now, because my agency has issued me tin and creds (even though I'm not law enforcement), I plan to inform them as I have my driver's license displayed with my badge. Once I change jobs and have to turn in the badge and creds, I likely will not inform them.

[VN Vet]

I'm going to stay home and not travel out-of-state. With my military career behind me, I've travelled enough to last me a long time.

My Brother-in-Law can carry his firearem just about any place. When I travel out-of-state, I travel with him and I can (and do) trust my life with his abilities.

[jocko]

I'm going to stay home and not travel out-of-state. With my military career behind me, I've travelled enough to last me a long time.

My Brother-in-Law can carry his firearem just about any place. When I travel out-of-state, I travel with him and I can (and do) trust my life with his abilities.

think if u have a VN veteranhat on,this might go a long way to helping u, or just a veterans ballcap on. Just sayin

I know from my stand point if I see a person wearing a veteran ballcap on him, I instantly respect him. Not that I would give hm ywallet or ayting like that but he earned my respect without sayin a word.:Amflag2:

[Captquest]

Sorry to bring up an old thread but this is a good question. My class instructor also indicated to us that we should not mention it unless asked. In Florida the officer will not see the info on a regular traffic check but can specifically look it up if he wants. He brought up that notorious YT video of the stupid cop (no offense) going off on a permit holder. I 'm not decided on this yet but didn't want to get a lengthy discussion going on it. I only said that there's a lot of advise out there saying otherwise and he replied "it's up to you". I guess I'll play that one by ear. He mentioned the importance of our constitution more than once and I go along with him on that, why can't citizens be treated on a "need to know" basis?

[jocko]

I have no doubt that some LEO's feel they are the only ones who should be armed. Most all are darned good people, but that one could make ur life miserable by u volunteering info that was not needed..

[Barth]

I'm not sure here in Florida.
But I don't think just running the plates will do it.
Dept of Agriculture actually issues the permits.

I do not believe we are required to state we are armed though.
If asked directly by the officer? Then yes.

If I feel I may be searched, or found out in some way, I'll speak up.
Otherwise I'm staying quite.

It's a case by case thing for me.

I certainly don't speed excessively or drive recklessly armed.
I'll walk away from most any confrontation or situation that might escalate.
Being a legally armed citizen has changed the way I conduct myself.

[Bawanna]

It's generally two separate data bases. A standard driver check usually will not reveal a CWL or CPL as we have in Wa.

The officer can check and see if there is one but that would be very unlikely unless their spidy senses are detecting something they are concerned about.

I've asked most of my guys for their personal input and most don't care as long as they don't see the weapon.

If you need to go near the weapon to get something the officer request, then that is the time to let them know you have one, you have no ill intentions and ask how they want to proceed. If you get one of the very few who might go off on a CPL holder, there's nothing for it, just bad luck.

As usual New York and most of California would be an exception. No common sense in them places.

[garyb]

As usual New York and most of California would be an exception. No common sense in them places.



Some here have it....just not the law makers.

[southern thunder]

I think it does in Florida.

[muggsy]

Muggsy do you EVER quit with the smart remarks...What's with you? CRAP happens, you drive faster than you thought you were, you don't realize you have a tail light out, LEO stops you. You can be a LAW ABIDING CITIZEN and still get stopped for something you didn't realize you did. Your crap stinks just like the rest of us and you are not perfect either. I'm sure you have gotten pulled at one time or another for something.

I've been driving for 51 years. In 51 years I've been pulled over 7 times. All of those stops occurred within the first ten years of receiving my licence. Of the 7 stops 4 resulted in tickets that I richly deserved. I have not been pulled over once since obtaining my CCW permit. I must live right. :)

[Longitude Zero]

In OK there is no way the officer would know when approaching the vehicle. HOWEVER OK is also a MANDATORY notice state meaning that if you have your weapon you MUST notify the officer at first contact.