TexasCHLforum.com

Purplehood wrote:My CHL class instructor is/was a Harris County Deputy and informed us that we should ALWAYS show the CHL.

Then you were given bad information. Please read the statutes. It's rather clear-cut when to present your CHL, and when not to.

Bart wrote: I'm sure they don't want you pulling out your gun to show a cop during a traffic stop but North Carolina law says a "person shall carry the permit together with valid identification whenever the person is carrying a concealed handgun, shall disclose to any law enforcement officer that the person holds a valid permit and is carrying a concealed handgun when approached or addressed by the officer."

Yes, but it says nothing about producing your CHL unless you're asked for it specifically. In fact, North Carolina does not require a CHL be produced, whether or not you're carrying, unless specifically requested by the LEO (http://www.ncdoj.com/law_enforcement/cl ... rocity.jsp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;). Texas law doesn't require it either (if you're not carrying), so why produce it? The LEO has to return to your vehicle to give you your driver's license back, so it's not like he or she is returning to ask you specifically whether or not you're carrying. More importantly, you haven't attempted to dictate the terms of the stop by producing documentation that isn't required.

Let the LEOs do their jobs!

Some states specifically discourage the display of a CHL unless it's requested by a LEO. For instance, North Carolina warns that "you should not attempt to display either your weapon or your permit unless directed to by an officer."

I'm not aware of a similar stance in Texas, but I personally am not going to give the officer more information than he or she is expecting from me at a traffic stop. You are doing the officer no favors by handing over more than is required and/or requested. When I was working in federal law enforcement, nothing was more disconcerting than having someone hand you a bunch of documentation, most of which you didn't need or ask for. It takes brain cycles away from more important things, like maintaining situational awareness. If I'm asked for a DL, I hand it over (along with my CHL only if carrying). If I'm asked for my insurance, I hand it over. If the LEO just wants to chat (that has happened before too), I simply sit there and don't try to hand him or her anything.

My recommendation is to not attempt to give the officer your CHL unless required by statute or specifically asked to do so.