TexasCHLforum.com

I have been thinking about this for a while and I did try to search for a similar thread but didn't find anything. So my apologies in advance if this has been answered already. My question is this: When in your car, where do you carry your Driver's license and CHL? In your wallet in a pocket? Glove box? Center console?

I am left-handed. I have always carried my wallet/cash/loose ID/etc in my back left pocket. Once I get my CHL, I will be carrying IWB on my left side at about 8:30. This presents a potential issue for me, in that if I'm ever stopped and am asked for ID. I know the proper procedure is just to hand the CHL over with the DL. If it so happens that my ID's are in my back pocket out of habbit, should I:

A)take out my license and CHL out of my back left pocket and hand it to the officer ? I'd be afraid that this would upset the officer once he realizes that i just reached close to my gun to get my ID before telling him I had a gun.

B) TELL the officer, "I have a valid DL as well as a valid CHL and they are both in my back left pocket which is near my carry, how would you like me to proceed?"

C) Never carry my ID anywhere near my weapon?

I ask this seriously because I have ALWAYS kept my ID's in the back left pocket. If I don't, I'll lose them, or forget them when I leave the car, which would be much worse.

So how do you handle presenting your ID/CHL carried on your person that may potentially be near your weapon?

i switched my wallet from back right to back left pocket, wasn't too long to get used to. I'm right handed by the way.

DL and CHL both in wallet at all times.

There is a thread about this topic here somewhere, and everyone will have their own opinion & preference.

The times I've gotten detained, I've always had my wallet & registration/insurance out prior to leaving the vehicle (leaving the vehicle prior to officer showing up at window is ANOTHER preference). What I have started doing is placing my wallet in my back/left pocket. I'm right-handed, so my carry position will be (practicing now) opposite of wallet placement. I would rather NOT run the risk of accidently exposing view of firearm while reaching for ID. Now, different opinions have been posted about verbally informing an officer of your possession. I would likely do so, or just hand the officer my CHL & DL simultaneously (with CHL on TOP of DL).

At the very least, (as a courtesy) make sure that officer is aware that you're carrying on your person. You MAY get a more "courteous" attitude afterward.

I switched sides for my wallet also. For some reason I would carry in the right back pocket for jeans, and left for slacks. I went to left all the time when I started to carry every day. Not because of LE interaction, but because I didn't want to accidentally display my weapon when reaching for my wallet in a store.

[Edited for typos]

clarionite wrote:...because I didn't want to accidentally display my weapon when reacing for my wallet in a store.

That's another reason why I am getting in the habit of switching wallet location.

Wish I could be more helpful, but I haven't worn my wallet in a back pocket for over 15 years...got taught to put it in my front pocket to cut down on being pick-pocketed in Europe. It is a good question, though.

I carry my wallet in a cargo pocket usually, so its easy to get to.

My general procedure when/if I am pulled over:

1) Stop car well on the shoulder so the officer has room to approach.

2) Kill car engine, shut off radio

3) If its dark, turn on overhead light.

4) Roll down window and sit with my hands on the wheel until officer approaches

5) Inform him I am armed, and where my DL/CHL and insurance are before digging for them.




I know some people like to have everything ready for the cop to make it easy on him. I've been told to sit and wait by some cops I know, because someone digging frantically in their glove box/console could be going for their information....or they could be going for a gun, trying to hide drugs, etc. When a cop sees someone digging around, it raises their stress level a little bit.



The best response I've ever had from a cop was when I was pulled over by a state trooper. I told him I was armed, and he told me "I'll make you a deal. Don't show me yours and I won't show you mine." I told him that sounded like a good deal.

Every encounter I've had with LEOs while carrying has been nothing by polite and professional.

I use back-right (I'm right handed), but I've been considering a change. Just like the tradition is to have your watch on your weak hand, I believe historically your wallet would go on the weak side so that when you pull it out and open it, you have your strong hand to go through the contents. When I take my wallet out with my right hand, I normally transfer it to my left to hold while I use my right to perform whatever the task at hand is. If I change, it'll be for efficiency.

I'm a lady so I'll tell you what my husband does.

about the time he started carrying he started having back problems, his chiro had him reduce his wallet alot! and switch to a ....fold-over money-clip type style? (not sure what to call it....that he carries in he front pocket. He's commented several times that he appreciates that change more than anything else that doc did. it saved his hip and back and by changing where he carried the wallet it reduces the chance of showing his gun since he carries on the other side.

boy do I totally agree about the back problem thing! I always carry lite. Usually just my DL and a debit card, maybe a few bucks. I can't stand having a thick wallet in my pocket.
I will most likely switch to a small front pocket wallet/ID holder I guess. Or switch to the back right pocket. I just really didn't want to have to get into a new habit of putting it in the center console and having to remember it when I leave the car.

Keys, phone, ID's, money all in a single front pocket is a bit much on the other hand. I don't like anything in my left front pocket because, well, that's where my firearm is.

Thanks for the tips guys. I really would prefer to just be able to hand both ID's over together without saying anything until the LEO asks, so it looks like I'll just have to find a way to be able to do that without reaching close to my weapon.

am i the only one who thinks someone is way over thinking here?

foldy-type card wallet in chest shirt pocket where I "used to" carry cigarettes contains Licenses, insurance, credit cards
....
folding cash is separate in a money clip in back pocket to throw at criminals or cashiers
Gold Dots are at about 3:00 IWB if the criminal wants more


When puled over by police, the foldy card wallet comes out of chest pocket, licenses & insurance in hand on steering wheel; and wallet up on dashboard.

alvins wrote:am i the only one who thinks someone is way over thinking here?

I agree. Wallet in right back pocket where it always is, firearm about 3-4 o'clock. If I get pulled over I will retrieve the wallet (and insurance card from the center console) prior to the cop making it to the window, and make sure my weapon is out of view.

It may look a little fidgety, but everyone gets their wallet out when pulled over so I’m sure they are used to it. Now if it becomes a felony stop, all bets are off.

With an IWB holster, I can lift my shirt high enough to get the wallet and keep the firearm hidden. Not hard at all.

I do need to pare down my wallet though...

I carry all ID in my wallet..
When carrying wallet is in the left pocket (opposite my gun)
When not carrying wallet is in my right pocket.

Several reasons.
1: It's another reminder I’m carrying vs not.
2: it means I can reach for my wallet and toss to a BG as a distraction while still having my strong side ready to draw, defend, work an edged weapon.
3: if I have to get ID for a LEO, and I have told them I’m armed and where it is... I’m reaching with the off hand to the off side away from the gun.. I hope that is better for the LEP's sense of security.

alvins wrote:am i the only one who thinks someone is way over thinking here?

Sorry you feel that way. This is all brand new to me and I am trying to take it seriously and give the decision to carry the respect and forethought it deserves.
I guess the question arose when I tried to put myself in a LEO's shoes and thought about how I'd feel if someone reached near his weapon to give me their ID and CHL.

I hope you'd at least agree that it's better to over think these things than to under think them.