The law simply means that if an officer says "May I see your concealed carry license"? You must produce the license, and also another form of identification.
As for spontaneously informing, I see no need to do that. It's best to keep your conversations with LEOs as short as possible in my opinion. Obey the letter of the law.
If an officer wants to get bent out of shape because you didn't wave your license for him at first, that's on him. And it most certainly would NOT be probable cause to search your vehicle. Probable cause means the officer has cause to believe there is evidence of a particular crime hidden in your vehicle. Since the officer knows that you have a license, even if there was a gun there, no crime would have been committed. Such a search would be a violation of the 4th amendment.
This also means that if you are asked for your license and you produce it, and the officer decides to ask further, "are you carrying a weapon today?" you do NOT have to answer. In fact, outside of providing your driver's license, registration and insurance (and carry permit, if asked), you do not need to say ANYTHING AT ALL during a stop, no matter what questions the officer asks you.
There is no law that compels you to answer a police officer's questions, and they can't arrest you for not answering. Just because they're wearing a badge doesn't give them the power to question you about any particular thing they feel like. "Sir, what did you have for breakfast this morning? What, you don't want to answer? You don't have anything to hide, do you?"
This type of tolerance for police harassment is sometimes prevalent on internet gun forums, where people tend to worship Authority and police power. I find it pretty distasteful.
-ishi
My recommendation:
. Pull off expeditiously. The LEO will usually not ask you to stop unless he considers it safe.
. Put on your internal lights.
. If available, turn on a voice recorder. Many cell phones have this capability. If you have any legitimate complaints, this will help.
. Open both front windows. The LEO may approach you on either side.
. Put your hands on the steering wheel.
. Without removing your hands, immediately and politely inform the LEO that you have a CCP and if your armed or not. If you say you are armed, he is likely to ask where you are carrying.
. Obey his instructions without objections. If you feel you have been mistreated, there is time to complain to supervision after the traffic stop is completed.
Why the hell do I need to carry my CC License if I'm not carrying my weapon ?
Are you sure about all that not answering etc. If you are pulled over for a traffic violation it is my understanding that you can be carried to jail, I know it is rare but possible at least here in SC. Also in SC you are required to present your permit if asked for ID and are carrying but the permit is not tied into either the drivers license or vehicle license plates. As for them being tied to vehicle license I think is stupid as the car I drive is in my wife's name and the one she normally drives is in mine. I also drive a state owned car at times.
I imagine that if you are pulled over for a traffic violation and refuse to do or say anything other than hand the officer your license, registration and insurance card it is going to be a long exciting day for you.
LEO: where are you driving today, sir?
me: with all respect sir, I'm only trying to get from point A to point B. I'm not breaking any laws, and I don't really feel like answering your questions. May I go now
I've got my own 'script' for being stopped here in Arkansas (it would change if out of state).i
A man's got to know his limitations.
-- Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood) Magnum Force
I guess they can also arrest people for walking without their drivers license ?Ignorance will not get you off in those states where you are required to inform you have a CCP whether you are carrying or not.
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