what to expect when pulled over

[rsorber54]

I recently was pulled over by PA State Police for a brake light out on my vehicle. As I was searching in my wallet for my drivers license the officer noticed I possessed a PA License to carry firearms, and asked me if I had my weapon on me. What are their guidelines as to what they are required to ask, or what may they ask in this situation.

[Steve in PA]

They can ask whatever they want, it's up to you to decide whether or not you want to answer.

[ungawa]

I recently was pulled over by PA State Police for a brake light out on my vehicle. As I was searching in my wallet for my drivers license the officer noticed I possessed a PA License to carry firearms, and asked me if I had my weapon on me. What are their guidelines as to what they are required to ask, or what may they ask in this situation.

You sort of cut off the story halfway through. What happened?

[rsorber54]

When asked if I had my firearm I replied "no", because I did not have it with me. But had I said "yes" what should I have expected?

[marinville]

Next time keep your DL in a different spot than your LTCF.


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[rsorber54]

I guess I really want to know in most circumstances like this can the officer ask me to step out of the vehicle, show my weapon, etc...

[ungawa]

When asked if I had my firearm I replied "no", because I did not have it with me. But had I said "yes" what should I have expected?

For starters, don't clench your cheeks.

You can expect the entire realm of what you can imagine. He might give you a break, cite you, prone you out and put you in cuffs in the back of his car and possibly not even give you your gun back. You name it, it might happen.

And, yeah, keep your LTCF where it can't casually be seen if you keep your DL in your wallet. Further, keep your insurance card and registration where you can get to it easily, and not where you keep your weed or your gun.

[Gun]

An 'Atta boy', a pat on the back, and a donut.

[theduke]

Which makes me ask, When a PA trooper runs your DL, would it come back showing if one possess' a LTCF?

[ray h]

I think what everyone is trying to say is PA is not a "must inform" state. Officers are allowed to ask anything they want to, it's up to you what you want to answer. Those here who have told an officer they are armed have gotten reactions ranging from "Thank you for letting me know" to "step out of the car and lay face down in the dirt". Some have had their firearms confiscated some have been searched. It's really just a roll of the dice so you do what you feel is best for you at the time, one thing to remember, don't worry about hurting the officer's feelings because he's certainly not going to let your feelings influence what he does with you. He didn't stop you to discuss the weather or the Steelers, he stopped you because he witnessed you commit a crime, in his mind that pretty much puts you on the opposing team. SO, play fair but play to win.