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CHL Traffic Stop stories. What Is yours?

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    TGT Addict
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    Aug 26, 2008
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    NW San Antonio
    I was detained briefly by a DPS officer for walking on a bridge with my car parked nearby (don't ask why :D). He asked me to get into his pickup, which I did, with driver's license & CCW permit in hand. When he found out that I was armed, he asked me to get out of the vehicle & relieved me of the Kel-Tec in my pants pocket. He tossed it on the seat of his vehicle & asked to see my vehicle registration & insurance. Aftr a recitation of the risks of walking on a bridge, he wrote me a warning, unloaded my pistol, put the mag & spare bullet in a baggie, and returned pistol & baggie to my pants, on the weak side :rolleyes:.

    It was all very civil; as we parted, I complimented him on his thoroughness and compassion. For the first time in our brief encounter, he smiles...slightly.

    I don't have a traffic stop story yet....Yikes...did I say "yet"? Sheez. The first thing that popped into ny head about the baggies on a couple of posts was...I bet they are doing this for time, By the time you got reloaded, they were away from the scene.
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    Moezilla

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    Aug 9, 2008
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    Allen
    So what is everyone's framed response to a LEO when they walk up to the car and you are armed? I know the whole dome light, hands on the wheel thing as I've always done that for the two simple reasons, it's safe for me and lets the officer know THEY are in control of the stop. My reason for asking is, I'm not sure I'd want to be moving around in my car reaching for my license and registration even during the day, much less so at night.

    Do you verbally explain to the officer you are a CHL holder and are currently armed and let them instruct you on what to do next? Or do you guys just have it all out before he gets there and tell him you are armed when you have him DL/CHL?

    Any LEO's on here want to add in their take, that would be great too. I think there should be some sort of policy in place statewide for CHL holders and officers, explaining the proper steps to take when pulled over as a CHL holder. Think it would go smoother for everyone if there was some sort of defined protocol beyond hand over CHL/DL, just my .02...
     

    JKTex

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    Mar 11, 2008
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    DFW, North Texas
    So what is everyone's framed response to a LEO when they walk up to the car and you are armed? I know the whole dome light, hands on the wheel thing as I've always done that for the two simple reasons, it's safe for me and lets the officer know THEY are in control of the stop. My reason for asking is, I'm not sure I'd want to be moving around in my car reaching for my license and registration even during the day, much less so at night.

    Do you verbally explain to the officer you are a CHL holder and are currently armed and let them instruct you on what to do next? Or do you guys just have it all out before he gets there and tell him you are armed when you have him DL/CHL?

    Any LEO's on here want to add in their take, that would be great too. I think there should be some sort of policy in place statewide for CHL holders and officers, explaining the proper steps to take when pulled over as a CHL holder. Think it would go smoother for everyone if there was some sort of defined protocol beyond hand over CHL/DL, just my .02...

    If you have your CHL and you're asking this question in this detail, this is another one of those posts I'd put on the scary list.

    As a CHL holder, you have requirements you must follow, more than non-CHL holders. You learn that in your CHL class and even if you didn't, you're required to know it. The "handbook"is available on line.

    As drivers, we all have requirements for traffic stops, as well as common sense protocol.

    If it's not convienent to have your license/CHL and reg. ready, then wait until they ask. Then if you feel it's the best thing to do, let them know if you are indeed armed, after you've handed them your DL and CHL.

    CHL holders are not criminals thus we don't have to go over the top. We need to be responsible and act accorind to the law #1 and common sense or as the situation deems appropriate #2.

    I like to go wiht the no surprise theroy, but that also means timing of information. While I'm not required by law, I feel it's best to offer that I am armed, but not until after I've handed them my CHL and an initial contact has been made. No surprise.

    If "I'm armed" is the first thing you say as they walk up, that just might be a big ugly surprise and reconsidering timing of information delivery should be a priority.
     

    JKTex

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    Mar 11, 2008
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    By the way, you're question really could have been a new thread of it's own since it's not really in line with this thread, and this thread was 2 month old to boot.

    As scary as it may be, I'm sure there are a lot of people that would want to hear what people have to say in response to your question.
     

    Moezilla

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    Aug 9, 2008
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    Allen
    True, on all counts. The reason I was asking is I just wanted to hear what others have said in their stops, I already have a framed response in mind that I learned in the CHL class and wanted to see if mine was in line with others who have been stopped.

    Officer: Good evening, sir. License and insurance, please.

    Driver: Yes, sir. Before I reach for anyting I want you to know I have a valid concealed carry permit. There is a weapon in the vehicle. It is located on my right hip and it is loaded. What would you like me to do?






     

    The Autoloader

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    Oct 25, 2008
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    Here's my story that happened just last night.

    I was picking up my daughter from a football game and the traffic was pretty congested. I happened to park right on the corner of a street behind another car and quickly ran across the street to the parking lot of the stadium. The school hires a few rent-a-cops for big events such as homecoming and last night was no exception.
    Well, a city LEO saw me park and told me I couldn't do park there and I told him I was running over to quickly grab my daughter. I asked if I could just park there for a few minutes since it was so congested. He must have been in a bit of a cranky mood because he walked over with said rent-a-cop in tow and asked for my license and proof of insurance. I obliged and handed him my license, CCL and insurance and informed him that I was armed. He didn't disarm me, but the rent-a-cop kept telling me that I couldn't carry at the stadium and I replied that I was aware of that. I also told him that I wasn't attending the event and that I was just picking up my daughter. This didn't shut him up while I was talking to the LEO. He kept saying, "you can't carry on this property" and the cop finally told him to shut the hell up! I started to giggle and the LEO told me to hurry up and get my daughter. I said, "will do" and then walked by the RAC and told him, 'you heard the officer, shut the hell up.' It was pretty funny.
     

    JKTex

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    Mar 11, 2008
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    Officer: Good evening, sir. License and insurance, please.

    Driver: Yes, sir. Before I reach for anyting I want you to know I have a valid concealed carry permit. There is a weapon in the vehicle. It is located on my right hip and it is loaded. What would you like me to do?

    Are you serious? The CHL instructor told you to do that?

    Holy cow..........this ought to be good. It still ought to be in it's own new thread, but good, in an entertaining sort of way.
     

    chevydeerhunter

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    Feb 23, 2008
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    Ok, then. What should be the proper way to address the officer?

    I've been stopped twice and both times I was polite, offered the LEO all items requested along with my CCL and informed him that I was armed at the time. On one occasion, the LEO asked me to come to the back of the cruiser and unload my weapon while we conducted business. The other time, the officer just said ok and went on with his business. Then he asked me what I carried and when I told him it was a 1911, he gave me a thumbs up.
     

    JAFO

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    Jul 10, 2008
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    I just got my CHL this month and so haven't been carrying long. I did get pulled over in Kerrville a few years ago and used that experience to play out what my response would be now. Back then I had plenty of time between pulling over and the officer approaching to get my license out, turn on the interior lights (it was a Friday night), roll down the window, and have my hands back on the wheel. My plan now would essentially be the same, just add in handing over the CHL along with the license and informing the officer whether or not I was armed.
     

    djspump2003

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    Oct 19, 2008
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    I have only been pulled over once since I got my CHL back in 2005. I was driving back to San Antonio for my USNR annual training one Sunday night back in August of this year. I admit the stop was my fault - had been driving behind someone in the fast lane doing 60 in a 70mph zone so I turned on my signal and went around. Almost immediately, I saw the flashing lights behind me.

    I pulled off the interstate in the city of Schertz (now I know where that is). The officer was irritated with me at first when he approached but actually calmed down when met with my demeanor and respectful answers. I handed him my CHL with my license and told him where I was carrying. The only problem after that was I couldn't find my insurance card for the present date. I had about 3 old ones in the glove box, but that didn't work. He ended up giving me a warning for not using my turn signal, and following too close. He cited me for not having a valid insurance card, but I sent in a copy to their courthouse and everything was cleared.

    The officer visibly calmed when met with my calm demeanor and the CHL, which meant I didn't have a record. I'd say he was respectful and courteous and I appreciated the warnings over actual citations any day. Thanks.
     

    bikerbill

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    Apr 1, 2008
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    Moezilla is exactly right, I was given a close variation of the advice he got when I got my CHL, and it makes perfect sense ... in my case, my insurance card is in my glovebox along with my loaded Taurus 85 ... don't think I'd want the officer to see the loaded gun while I'm fumbling around for the paperwork ... I'd simply tell him/her where my papers are, that I have a CHL and a loaded weapon in my glovebox. "What would you like me to do?" puts the officer in complete control of the encounter, which is where LEOs want to be during traffic stops ... haven't been stopped in years and never in Texas. so no interesting stories ...
     

    TJ Willy

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    Oct 27, 2008
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    Last weekend I was running late to an MSF course I teach. I rolled through all six gears on my bike and was doing - not sure - but atleast 70. (Big touring bike). I saw the Trooper crest the hill and it was just too late. I saw him pull towards the shoulder and just started pulling over before he even got to his lights.

    He walked up and I turned around (still seated on the bike with my creds already out) and said: "Yep. You got me. Sorry, I am running late to a Rider's Edge class. I don't know how fast I was going, but I am sure I was speeding." I held out my creds. He glanced really quickly at them... maybe 2 seconds and handed all back to me besides my DL. He smiled at my comments and said, "Hold on, let me write you a warning really quickly and you can get back on the road." He was back in like 30 seconds with the printout. I could tell he quickly filled it in b/c the make of the bike and even type were wrong.

    He gave me the docs and said just slow it to 55mph and have a good day.

    Best traffic stop I have ever encountered where I was on this side of the badge. I sincerely believe it was the CHL. He never asked if I was carrying or anything. That day I had the pistol in my tour pack and not on me b/c I was in such a hurry when I left the house!
     

    Moezilla

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    Aug 9, 2008
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    Allen
    Your way is fine. I am a former cop and that is what I would do. I would not want to be rooting around for my DL while the officer is apporoaching.

    Thanks, I agree. Last thing I want to do is make the officer nervous or that I'm a danger to him. I'm one of the good guys, as he obviously is and only want to comply as best as possible to make the stop go as smoothly as possible for both of us so we can go on about our other business. Preferrably, I will not speed or get pulled over. lol
     

    thorkyl

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    Oct 13, 2008
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    Brazoria County
    Have had 3 good and one fair and 1 that was just outright funny.
    The 3 good where all the typical pull over shut the truck down and wait
    when asked for license and insurance my standard quote is
    "My CHL and License are in my left hip pocket and my Handgun is ..."
    At which time they have all said ok, I get out of the truck and give them the info.

    The 1 fair, he actually disarmed me, however he did not unload the weapon. he just set it on my hood and he left before me.

    The funny was a DPS officer in Jasper. 73 in a 45. I deserved that one.
    Did my quote above. he had me get out of the truck and I gave him my licenses and such. Half way through the mess the printer in the back seat of the truck started printing (I work out of my truck) and it scared him. Anyway, he open that back door of the truck and too quote him "What the hell is that thing" pointing to the FAL L1A1 in the rack on the floor. The next 20 minutes was spent on the side of the road teaching him about the FAL and showing him how to break it open and remove the bolt carrier and such. When it was all said and done he invited me out to the range to teach a few other officers about the FAL. I did go and 4 of the 7 that where there and never seen one.

    Point + 1 for the CHL and the FAL
     

    midnightrider

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    I was returning home from a gun-owner group dinner, driving my daughter car. I guess I was going a little too fast and saw those flashing lights in my rear-view. I pull over and turned on my dome light, put both hands were they could be seen and waited. The officer approached me and asked for licence and proof of insurance. I handed him my Drivers license and CCL and insurance. He asked me if I was armed and I told him yes, that I was carrying a 1911 in an IWB on my right hip. He then told me that I was speeding and that the insurance form I gave him was out of date, but that he was only going to give me a warning this time. He handed my license, CCL, and (my soon to die) daughters insurance card :banghead: and told me to have a good evening and that was it.
     

    Texan2

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    I must hand it to CHL holders...I have had alot of contcts with them over the years and most are very courteous. Most officers will reciprocate the attitude they are given. Be nice...and they are nice. Be cocky....and they will show you what cocky is! I don't recommend the cocky approach...
    When I encounter a CHL holder, I verify the validity of his CHL permit and usually there is never a problem. CHL holders ar overwhelmingly law abiding citizens and any contacts are usually for minor traffic infractions.

    And if there was any question, those stops for license plate lights and no blinker on July 4th....yes, they are sniffing for DWI's and drugs and stolen vehicles. Thats their job and I am glad they do it. If they get a drunk off the road that might have otherwise hit my wife and kids, then job well done. If they stop a guy with a load of dope that wont make it to the street...great! And if they come across a car with somenes stolen guns in it...woo hoo! (Been in all 3 situations)
    I am glad to hear that everyone does such a good job at being polite...restores my faith in people.
     

    40Arpent

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    Jul 16, 2008
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    I've had my CHL since the first year, 1996. Since then, I have been stopped a handful of times for exceeding the speed limit, and only once have I received a ticket. That incident occurred earlier this year, when I was stopped for doing 70 in a 45. The speed limit drops from 65 to 45, and I was just a little too late shutting it down before the female DPS officer, coming from the opposite direction, popped me. After I politely presented her with my DL and CHL, and told her I had a handgun in the truck but not on my person, she asked me if it was within my reach. I had it stored in the center console, so I told her "Yes ma'am, but if I was to reach for it, you'd have plenty of time to shoot me first." Thankfully, she got a kick out of that one and started laughing. She ran my info and gave me a ticket for 60 in a 45, profusely apologizing for not being able to give such a polite person a warning (since I was so far over the limit, and it was an area known for a lot of fatal crashes). I honestly think she did feel somewhat bad about it by the look on her face when I then told her not to apologize and that I deserved the ticket.

    Sorry to contribute to the off-track trend of this thread, but I am confused as to why some of you would carry your weapon and your insurance card in the same compartment in your vehicle. You know that if you are stopped, you'll need to present your insurance card, so why on earth would you make it more difficult/dangerous on yourself, and the officer, by doing that? Not to be too insulting, but that shows a lack of common sense, in my opinion.
     

    40Arpent

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    Oops, I forgot about one other stop where I did get a ticket, but that was for crossing a service road median....right in front of the Houston Police Dept horse barn. That's another one I really did deserve. LOL
     
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