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.

 

[Bobcat]

I stick with the don’t ask don’t tell philosophy. If they don’t ask, then I don’t tell. I don’t currently have a ccp so don’t worry too much about it. Then again I haven’t been pulled over in years and try to avoid doing anything that would cause it to happen. I figure that most of the cops are decent, hard working folks just doing a job. That said, some of them are absolutely jerks and like to push their weight around so I err on the side of caution. I will be respectful and polite but I will not volunteer any information and I won’t give them permission to search my vehicle.

 

[sheriffjohn]

With 40 years in law enforcement, the best thing is to, first...put the vehicle in "Park" (folks would be surprised at how often drivers do not do this). Second, put both hands on the top of the steering wheel and keep them there, in plain sight of the officer b/c we are trained that "the hands hurt you". They will be watching hands ...even passengers' hands. Stuffing anything beneath the seat or reaching for things is definitely not a good idea at any point during a stop.

Listen to what the officer says. If you don't understand, say so. Do what you are told to do. EXACTLY what you are told to do.

Because you really do not know why you were pulled over until the officer tells you, even though you may have been speeding, etc. there may be a different reason for the stop. For instance, a similar vehicle may have been reported stolen or used in a crime. You won't know until you are told. LISTEN carefully. Keep both hands visible, gripping the top of your steering wheel where they are visible to the officer.

Make certain any and all passengers stay still in their seats and let you interact with the officer unless the officer asks them questions.

NOW ...if you are LEGALLY in possession of a firearm that is in easy reach and control, my advice is to calmly advise the officer that you are in possession of a firearm and where it is located within the passenger compartment of the car (without taking your hands from atop of the steering wheel) You will both breathe easier.. Be certain he/she understands what you say. Wait. Do what you are told ..slowly.

The officer's main focus is on his/hers personal safety (and all occupants of your vehicle).

There are valid reasons to search vehicles, long established, whether or not you like them. Words and actions instigate searches far more often than long hair or ethnicity. Answer only questions asked, calmly, and clearly. then ..SHUT UP. "Permission to Search" is voluntary. Even if the officer has decided to search your vehicle pursuant to one or two facets of the law, they will invariably ask your permission to search. Either you do or you don't that's up to you. Arguing beside the road is not a good choice...you will not win there, even if you do prevail in court later on.

Know the law before you decide what to do with your firearms before you start your trip. Obey the law. Keep your words soft and sweet. If you find yourself in jail, look at who's in there with you. They're not chosen from the graduating class at M.I.T. and I've never met one I'd like to bunk with. Cheers !