Traffic Stops While Carrying

[Edmund]

I have a conceal carry permit, but I do not regularly carry. (Whether I should carry more frequently would be a topic for another thread. I know there are those who think you should carry all the time, but I do not.) I assume when the police run my drivers license, they will be informed that I have a carry permit, but I don't know that for sure.
The question arises, do I tell the officer or not, and if I say anything, do I volunteer the information unsolicited, or do I wait until the officer asks?

As far as I can tell, there are no clear laws on this in Missouri. So, you don't have to tell the police during a traffic stop that you are carrying. Can anyone confirm this?

But, there are laws (what must be done), and then there are practical considerations (what is prudent to do, even if not required).

So, what say you?

If I am not carrying, and I am pulled over for speeding (or whatever):

1. Should I volunteer without being asked that I have a permit, but that I am not armed?
2. Should I wait until the officer asks, and then answer?
3. Should I wait until the officer asks, and then plead the fifth?
4. Should I do something else?

I lean towards 1 or 2 above, although I'm sure some lawyers would always recommend option 3.

If I am carrying, and I am pulled over:

1. Should I volunteer without being asked that I am carrying (and maybe state where the weapon is...usually at my right back side 4:30...my wallet is on the opposite side, so I don't have to go near the gun to pull out my drivers license), and present my carry permit card with my drivers license?
2. Should I wait until the officer asks, and then provide the above information?
3. Should I wait until the officer asks, and then plead the fifth?
4. Should I do something else?

I lean towards option 1, but I don't want to necessarily escalate a peaceful traffic stop. I am a generally law abiding citizen. I don't drink. I don't do drugs. I generally have nothing to hide, and I want the officer to be put at ease regarding me...but without giving up my rights. I just want to handle traffic stops safely and professionally. Thoughts?

 

[Longcarbine]

If I am pulled over and carrying, which you should ALWAYS be, if the officer asks I will tell him yes. If he does not ask I dont say anything. If he does not ask about a weapon but asks me to step out of the vehicle I will inform him that I am armed before I get out.

 

[Circlebllc]

I have always told them. They said, "I don't care".

 

[Icemanxxxv]

I always tell them. Some states it is required. I figured best to let them know you are licensed to carry and are carrying, that way if I'm traveling I wont be violating another states laws by failure to inform. Most cops I talk too are pretty respectful of with licensed carry permit people.