Declaring Firearms While In a Vehicle?

[mrat]

See post 2.

If you are carrying.

If you are in a 'none' state then keep your mouth shut and be polite and professional as always.
If you are in a 'first contact' state then declare at first contact and present your LTCF with your license, and be polite and professional as always.
If you are in a 'upon demand' state then keep your mouth shut and only declare if asked, and if declaring then present your LTCF, and be polite and professional as always.

Thanks Berncly. I just can't figure out how to be polite while keeping my mouth shut when asked a direct question by a cop

[Berncly]

I wont speak for him, but it doesn't sound like it is his only concern...

The key words there are "aside from the situations we've discussed".
Meaning other than the notification laws and related best practices he won't consent to a vehicle search which is a good plan.

[Berncly]

Thanks Berncly. I just can't figure out how to be polite while keeping my mouth shut when asked a direct question by a cop

Keep your mouth shut about your carry.

I honestly can't tell if you guys are messing with me or not.
I feel like we are talking in circles.

[marinville]

The key words there are "aside from the situations we've discussed".
Meaning other than the notification laws and related best practices he won't consent to a vehicle search which is a good plan.

At least no states have yet passed any exploratory search and seizure laws or dreaded fondle your old lady's fun bags if we feel like it laws, insofar as I'm aware.

[GunLawyer001]

Just to clarify.
When in a 'first contact' you would be required to inform before shutting up, correct?
And similarly for a 'on demand' if demanded.

If you're carrying legally, and the state law requires you to inform, then you should inform.

If you're carrying illegally, you aren't obliged to tell cops about it. There's case law from decades back relating to felons registering their guns, which I believe would apply there.

In the more common situation, as in PA, where cops will potentially hassle you despite you being fully legal, the law is silent and common sense applies.

[Berncly]

Thanks Phil.
Rep owed.

[bravo30]

Wouldn't using a rental vehicle cut down the possibility of being stopped?

not if i was a cop. renters are shady

[bravo30]

People have certainly been arrested for violating unconstitutional laws, yes. So if your primary concern is not getting arrested, you may not want to stand up for your rights.

i completely agree with you, however, if i'm local then most likely ill fight. if i'm 2,000 miles away from home on vacation loaded with guns and cash im not fighting when i dont have to.

[bravo30]

I wont speak for him, but it doesn't sound like it is his only concern...

you are correct on the consent to search thing. i will not give permission for that. ive personally seen that end badly on issues completely irrelevant from the stop. Living out of the van means ill be carrying small propane bottles, minibikes, guns, cash, ammo, knives, food, chemicals... god knows what else that i could potentially be locked up for. No way im letting a cop search the van.

[Zet70]

Im not reading the four prior pages but I will say this.

I always know when I'm traveling when my gun has to be in a lock box in the trunk separate from the ammo and when I can have it on me loaded in accordance with my LTCF.

I also make it a point to know when I MUST declare it.

Saying that. Every encounter I have ever had with LEO who has requested my ID, I provided my LTCF WITH my ID. No matter the state and if it was required to inform. No matter if I was carrying on my person or if it was in the trunk.

I have never received anything but respect and co-operation for doing so. I have also never been cited for a moving violation or any other violation. In fact, officers have eased up. Thanked me for choosing to carry. Complimented my gesture, and even had full conversations about firearms with me.

The one time I did not declare my firearm, in PA. I had two officers draw their firearms on and remove me from the car under gun point on the side of 78. There is a thread I started about that encounter.......

Life is much easier when you treat the good guys with respect due for the high stress job they perform.

Flame suit is on.