Traffic stop, but don’t want passenger to know you carry?

[Frost]

Except the officer probably doesn't want them in such a device.

I can't imagine why.

[atxgun]

What ever methods people have suggested, the fact remains when the cop pulls you aside to ask about your chl your passengers are going to be wondering what that was all about and will certainly ask you. Any suggestions for cover stories?

[Frost]

What ever methods people have suggested, the fact remains when the cop pulls you aside to ask about your chl your passengers are going to be wondering what that was all about and will certainly ask you. Any suggestions for cover stories?

I would simply tell them that i don't wish to discuss it.

[KBCraig]

Except the officer probably doesn't want them in such a device.

I can't imagine why.

At one time, in certain areas, it was routine to hand the officer your wallet with the license showing. The implication was that he'd remove the appropriate "fine" before returning the wallet and wishing you a good day.

Now, even crooked police don't want anything so obvious, or so easily misconstrued. They don't want the wallet, or the "ID holder", they want the license and nothing else.

[03Lightningrocks]

I realized that getting out of the vehicle in a traffic stop is a real bad idea a few years ago. After getting pulled over by one of Richardsons finest, I hopped out of my truck and started walking back to the officer while asking why I was getting pulled over. I was irritated and not thinking clearly until on his third request to get back in my truck, I noticed his voice and speach pattern going up an octave. He also had his hand on his weapon at this point. Suddenly it hit me that I was making him real nervous and I apologized and got back in the truck.

I don't think I would recommend getting out either. I also would be hesitant to do anything to make him suspicious of improper activity, like passing a note asking to keep my weapon a secret. I would just hand him the CHL and DL hoping for the best. I think if I just act normal, he is less likely to feel it necessary to make an issue of my CHL or weapon. One caveat, I am 48 and look more like a cop than most cops do. It may not be fair, but I know some folks, especially younger ones, have a "look" that may inspire more suspicion than others.

[Morgan]

Yeah, I wasn't exactly sure what to say... but he had ZERO chance of seeing it it was a DEEP backpack, and he was on the passenger side of the vehicle, communicating thru the passenger window.

Nothing you did was specifically illegal, but I would say myself that carrying the wallet and gun together in a bag is unwise. I think it is better to think ahead to mitigate the possible complications you might face while car-carrying than to risk a tense situation with an LEO.

Notice above where I said "yeah"? That meant I agreed. I don't mind the pile on telling me I was wrong, I'm a big boy and I've been on the internet and internet boards long enough that I don't really care. Hindsight is 20/20 and I got a free lesson that I figured out all on my own on the road, re-enforced by you guys here. I'm good with that. That being said, mistakes do happen from time to time... so let's say I have too much turkey next year and my brain shuts off and I'm in the exact same situation. What would you suggest? When I tell him my wallet is in my backpack, tell him, "With my loaded and legally concealed handgun?"

Mistakes should be learning experiences.. either for the person making the mistake, or at least others who read about the incident. So what would be the better course of action.

[srothstein]

When I go to the gym after work, I go home in my sweats. My wallet and my weapon are in my gym bag. If I get stopped, I will not go into the bag but will tell the officer where my ID is, that my weapon is with it, and let him know why I am armed. I will then violate my usual rule against consent searches and let him get the weapon if he asks or will give him my DL number from memory if he prefers to not see the license. I will leave it up to him. I figure this is how I would prefer someone handle it so I will do it that way.

This would also work for you when you find yourself in that situation I think.