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I was involved in a fender bender this afternoon, and I was carrying at the time. Another driver decided to make a right hand turn, but not from the right lane. Cut right across my path and I could not stop. Low speed impact; no injuries.

I called the police and they showed up within 5 minutes. Officer asked for my drivers license. I handed him both the drivers license and my CHL. He immediately handed back the CHL (not sure he ever even looked at it), and went about his business without comment.

Did I need to show my CHL in this situation (he did specifically ask for my DL). I know there is now a defense to prosecution for not displaying it, but the accident was/is enough of an inconvenience. Didn't want to bother testing those waters.

Also, this was my first interaction with a police officer while carrying. No issues.

Dave

Dave01 wrote:Did I need to show my CHL in this situation (he did specifically ask for my DL).

Yes. That's exactly how it is supposed to work.

- Jim

I will show both ANYTIME i have to show my DL to an LEO. IMHO you did the right thing.

Show them both.
You got a typical good response.
Good job.

I agree with the others, by showing it you cannot get into any potential trouble although this could be considered by some to be a gray area. When asked to produce identification the law requires you to supply both your DL and CHL.

Had an accident a few weeks back myself. State Trooper showed up, handed DL and CHL. No questions, didn't bat an eye. When it came time to return my ID, he had left my CHL in his car, caught himself and went back to get it. No comment the whole time as to whether I was carrying or not.

My general rule of thumb, if the DL comes out for an LEO , so does the CHL.

Baba Brad wrote: My general rule of thumb, if the DL comes out for an LEO , so does the CHL.

+1 here. Good rule of thumb!

Sec. 411.205. REQUIREMENT TO DISPLAY LICENSE. If a license holder is carrying a handgun on or about the license holder's person when a magistrate or a peace officer demands that the license holder display identification, the license holder shall display both the license holder's driver's license or identification certificate issued by the department and the license holder's handgun license.

I have been in one accident and witnessed one accident, showed the cops my DL and CHL, and in both cases just like above) the cops immediately gave my CHL back.

If ya got it, show it!

If you hadn't showed it and was "made", you wouldn't have a CHL right now. Well Done!

JDJ wrote:If you hadn't showed it and was "made", you wouldn't have a CHL right now. Well Done!

The penalty for not showing your CHL was removed during the last session of the legislature the requirement to show remains.

Got bumped from behind a while back (no injuries or damages--barely made a mark on the Explorer's back bumper, other driver's car barely damaged). When Comal County Deputy showed up to investigate, I handed him DL, CHL, Proof of Insurance. He glance at CHL and asked if I was carrying. Told him no (I was on the way back from Fort Sam Houston), and he asked why not. I do appreciate the LEO in this area.

MoJo wrote:

JDJ wrote:If you hadn't showed it and was "made", you wouldn't have a CHL right now. Well Done!

The penalty for not showing your CHL was removed during the last session of the legislature the requirement to show remains.

Or like I've said several times about what a cop buddy of mine said:

Without your CHL on you, you are UCW. UCW = Class B. Class B = Revocation.

No need for the penalty, you're still screwed.

mkosmo wrote: Or like I've said several times about what a cop buddy of mine said:

Without your CHL on you, you are UCW. UCW = Class B. Class B = Revocation.

No need for the penalty, you're still screwed.

Not showing, carrying, being made is what was discussed above..for which there is no penalty.

Not Having a CHL. and carrying a concealed weapon.. Now you’re talking a whole different deal...

I'm three kinds of idiot... I swear, when I first saw this thread title, my first thought was, "why would you need to show your CHL just to use your whammy bar?"

It's a guitar thing. Again, I'm an idiot, and I apologize.