Police stop behavior

[wgoforth]

I am sure this has been covered, but I could not find it in search. When pulled over for a traffic stop. Do you (1) Do nothing and wait for police to request your DL and give your CHL at that time (2) Have them ready and waiting when the LEO comes to your window. Or some other option? I am running into a differing of opinion. I went to the TXDPS website, and it said consult your local law enforcement for their requirements in your area.

[cubbyjg]

When i was last pulled over, i just waited until the LEO came to my window and only started to reach for my information after he asked. Once i pull over to a safe spot, i just keep my hands on the wheel and do as they ask. If my license is in my back pocket, i would give them a heads up that its located there and before reaching for it.

[Excaliber]

I am sure this has been covered, but I could not find it in search. When pulled over for a traffic stop. Do you (1) Do nothing and wait for police to request your DL and give your CHL at that time (2) Have them ready and waiting when the LEO comes to your window. Or some other option? I am running into a differing of opinion. I went to the TXDPS website, and it said consult your local law enforcement for their requirements in your area.

In my opinion the safest thing for all concerned is to wait with your window down and hands high on the steering wheel. When the officer approaches and asks for your ID, without moving your hands, tell him you have a CHL and a lawfully carried firearm. Then tell him where the gun, the CHL and the DL are and ask him how he would like you to proceed. He'll then tell you what he wants you to do, so you don't have to try to figure out what all the local customs might be.

I haven't come across any place where this doesn't work very well.

[karder]

http://gunsandammo.com/video/automobile ... ped-police

I hope this link works. It is mostly just what Excaliber said.

[wgoforth]

I ask as an instructor who is also LEO said that we are to immediately have DL and CHL waiting when he gets to the vehicle.

[Texas Dan Mosby]

Number 2 imo...

I get all the paperwork out, put it on the dash, turn on the dome light if it's dark, and leave my hands at 10-2 on the wheel where they can be seen. This way the dude, or dudette, can see my hands, and when they ask for my paperwork, it's right there ready and waiting. Saves time for both parties involved...

[hirundo82]

My first inclination would be to get out my wallet, put it on the dash, and have my hands on the steering wheel when the officer approached the vehicle. I'm not sure if digging around in my pocket (while he is still in his car) to get my wallet would make him nervous or not. I'd love to hear the preference of the LEOs on the forum about this.

[Skaven]

Straight from Texas DPS

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administra ... l/stop.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[wgoforth]

Straight from Texas DPS

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administra ... l/stop.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Still no definitive answer...note it says to contact local LEO's to find their practice in their jurisdiction...

[WildBill]

Straight from Texas DPS

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administra ... l/stop.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Still no definitive answer...note it says to contact local LEO's to find their practice in their jurisdiction...

IMO, there is no definitive answer. Within any jurisdiction you will find individual LEOs who have their own particular preferences.

[RPB]

I have a little "credit card wallet" type thing with my DL/CHL/Insurance in one sleeve I carry in my top shirt pocket.

If ever stopped, I'd roll the window down and possibly put that from my top shirt pocket on the dash while rolling the window down, and put my hands on the wheel and wait further instructions .... dome light on if after dark. I"m sure he'd ask for my ID/Ins and I'd say it's in my wallet there on the dash, and I'd reach for the little credit card wallet he can see and I'd hand him my stuff. He may or may not hand me back my CHL or may or may not ask questions, if he asks anything, (whatcha got? ... Wherzit at? .... Wanna Trade??? ... Wanna Sell-it??? etc) I'll answer appropriately.

Top shirt pocket keeps my hand from digging around my waist or seat where he can't see my hand as easily..

Couldn't tell you what they prefer, just what I've worked out mentally as to what I'd do.

[wgoforth]

I have a little "credit card wallet" type thing with my DL/CHL/Insurance in one sleeve I carry in my top shirt pocket.

If ever stopped, I'd roll the window down and possibly put that from my top shirt pocket on the dash while rolling the window down, and put my hands on the wheel and wait further instructions .... dome light on if after dark. I"m sure he'd ask for my ID/Ins and I'd say it's in my wallet there on the dash, and I'd reach for the little credit card wallet he can see and I'd hand him my stuff. He may or may not hand me back my CHL or may or may not ask questions, if he asks anything, (whatcha got? ... Wherzit at? .... Wanna Trade??? etc) I'll answer appropriately.

Top shirt pocket keeps my hand from digging around my waist or seat where he can't see my hand as easily..

Couldn't tell you what they prefer, just what I've worked out mentally as to what I'd do.

Believe it or not, I've only been pulled over three times in my life (50 years old, still never had a ticket, they were fishing expeditions...knocking on wood). All 3 times I had my paperwork in hand, holding them while holding the wheel and they acted cool, but been told that I shouldn't get it out till told.

[RPB]

Well, I hesitate to have anything "in my hand" but on the dash where they can see what I'm reaching for and see my hand and I tell them it's in that there wallet ... I can't see anyone getting nervous or mistaking what's in my hand.

Sunshine/light hitting a DL/CHL just right could reflect light and look like a blade-flash of light- I suppose if the angle was just right.

[srothstein]

Still no definitive answer...note it says to contact local LEO's to find their practice in their jurisdiction...

Wildbill really had the correct answer. There is no legally required procedure and each officer has his own tastes on how he wants people to respond. So, I usually tell people to do what Excaliber told you: dome lights on if it is dark, hands on steering wheel, and le t the officer know before you move. My reasoning is that if you start moving before the officer gets there, he might get nervous about what you are squirming around and reaching for. If you don't have it ready, he might be irritated at taking the time, but at least he won't be feeling threatened. So, do you want the officer irritated that you could not read his mind, or irritated and feeling threatened by your motions? An officer feeling threatened is dangerous, an officer feeling irritated is probably just a ticket instead of a warning (though this type of officer probably doesn't write too many warnings anyway )

[SWAMPRNR]

I have always turned the inside lights on and rolled all my windows down since i have dark tint so the officer can see in the front and back seats of my car. My license and insurance all together in my wallet so i don't have to search.