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.

Sent using Tapatalk

[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