TexasCHLforum.com

srothstein wrote:I don't think most cops keep up with the reciprocity rules. They will know that their state recognizes other states licenses or not, but that is it. I could not tell you who we recognize, just that we do. And given that, I would allow almost any legal out of state CHL to pass. This includes states that I do not think recognize ours (like California, but i never expect to see one of those).

Stephen is clearly correct -- most of us cannot rattle off the list of reciprocity states (either for us or by us) without looking -- I know that I travel a bit, look it up to help other people out fairly often (a few times a month), and I cannot do it. It's about 30 states either way.

I think that if the officer is a good one who respects the CHL (like Stephan) then he will consider the CHL sufficient unless you are causing REAL trouble (e.g., drunk, committing some other crime beyond simple speeding etc.).

I think most can be convinced with the proper documentation. A few will not have gotten the message, try to get them to call and ask dispatch or a superior to check the law.

And like anything, if a LEO really wants to take you to jail for a poor or bad reason, you are going to jail. You get to file a report, complain to the chief and maybe sue. But all that comes later.

[I have not.]

When I travel, I take the precaution of printing out the AG, DPS, State Police (etc) web page that describes the reciprocity for each state I expect to traverse or visit. I try to ensure that I have the law and the PHONE NUMBERS for contact.

Now if some officer is determined to be tree stump stupid then he might refuse to look at the evidence but a polite and firm attitude of both cooperation and insistence on rights is likely to resolve the situation -- at worst when you reach the local jail and ask the sergeant or supervisor to look up the law.

Most people have no problems most of the time if they are being polite and generally being good citizens.

it is also useful to know where carry is prohibited -- most states do not have such BRIGHT LINE (or obvious) restrictions as we do in Texas. For instance if you are carrying concealed in GA you MUST use a holster, or in Virginia a CHL holder can enter a bar or restaurant (that serves alcohol) but must do so UNARMED or by CARRYING OPENLY. No problem, just display your holstered firearm.

In North Carolina you may not conceal ANYWHERE that alcohol is served -- who would guess that, while in a nice restaurant drinking a coke and eating a fine steak or wonderful sushi?

Of course if we obey the traffic laws, including posted speed, we would almost never encounter a law enforcement officer.