http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/general-firearm-discussion/184527-got- pulled-over-friday-night.html

Thread: Got pulled over Friday night...

TRX
February 9th, 2014

I always figured if I got pulled over in a "must inform" place, I'd just hand the officer my CHCL along with the DL. It would avoid derailing the officer's programmed questions and would avoid any possibility of "attitude" or "challenge" by making a verbal announcement. I figure, he'll probably want to see the CHCL anyway, so just bypass any misunderstandings.


http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/concealed-carry-issues-discussions/201837-police-encounter-no-feathers-ruffled.html#post3500147

Thread: police encounter - no feathers ruffled

TRX [OP]
November 20th, 2014

So, I saw blue lights in the rearview mirror while on the way home this evening. Since the street had high curbs I signaled and pulled into the next parking lot, ran down the window, shut off the truck, turned on the dome light, and got my wallet out.

The officer asked for "identification" instead of my driver's license, which I thought was a bit odd, and for the vehicle registration. I handed my CHCL and driver's license over, and got the registration out of the glove box.

The officer asked "Do you have it with you?"

I said, "Sure do." [I assumed "it" referred to a pistol]

He said, "Don't go taking it out." [in a jocular tone]

I said, "Sure, no problem."

He said I had a brake light out, and he was going to give me a warning notice. Then he went back to his car and ran my ID to check for open warrants, came back and handed my cards and registration back, had me sign the warning, and wished me a good evening. I wished him a quiet shift, and he went on his way.


Arkansas is a "must inform" state. Tracing through the statutes, you're supposed to tell an officer you're carrying when you have an "encounter." Elsewhere, an "encounter" is defined as "when you are asked for identification." As opposed to chatting with a police officer while standing in line at Wendy's or the DMV, which does not meet the legal definition of "encounter."

Long ago I decided that passing over the CHCL along with the driver's license was a better idea than blurting "I'VE GOT A GUN!", which might be subject to misinterpretation...