Trends on Encounters when pulled over. - Poll

[troglodyte]

I was coming back to town one evening, no traffic, and I was enjoying the sunset over the west Texas caprock. I wasn't particually paying attention to my lane position and was apparently easing back and forth in my lane (never crossed the lines according to the trooper). Red and blues in the rearview and the first time I have been pulled over with my CHL (almost four years).

I exchange plesantries as I handed over my CHL and DL. DL was on top and top of CHL was showing from behind. He never altered the arrangement and never looked at the CHL other than the top of it as handed. He asked me where I taught (Passenger and school bus CDL), asked if I had anything to drink or was sleepy (no and no). He said maybe the big motorcycle off center in the back was causing me to catch the wind funny. I agreed and off he went. No warning or citation.


This was during the click-it or ticket campaign, I had a dirt bike in the back, some seats from an old RV (that he took interest in) and may have been weaving a little and no traffic/slow night. I figure it all added up to be a reason to stop me. I didn't mind. I would rather him stop and check than let me (or anyone) drive sleepy or impaired.

Guess it all ends up being no harm no foul. He had nothing to write me up for and I didn't get off. Write it off as a non-incident.

So I guess I can't check any of them.

[TWL1972]

I had 2 encounters with LEO this past weekend, my first since CHL. Both were pleasant.

The first was Friday night just after 6:00 p.m. DPS pulled me over about 20 miles south of Post on US 84. The stop was for only having one headlight - which I was not aware of.

He was a young officer. I had DL and CHL out, hands atop wheel and interior lights on. I handed him licenses, but was silent on carrying.

He looked at CHL and handed it back. Did not ask if I was carrying. I was, with 3 1911's, a shotgun, and my deer rifle in the truck as I was headed to Lubbock and north for hunting, a visit with friends and business.

The officer went to the front of the truck and checked if it was just the low beam out or both. He wrote me a warning and explained that I could show it if stopped again. Then he wished me a safe trip and good hunting. I wished him a safe night, thanked him, and we went on our way.

I was lucky in the stop, or he treated me well. When I came on him he had another car pulled over in the opposite shoulder. I was about 10 miles over the limit after dark and slowing as I noticed him. Traffic was moving very fast that evening. He never mentioned my speed.

Second encounter was with a game warden in a grain field west of Kress, Swisher county, on Saturday afternoon. He came on our hunting party to check licenses. Again, a young officer.

I handed him my hunting license, DL and CHL. Did not declare, though obviously carrying a shotgun (unloaded, open action).

He asked if I was carrying "it". I said I was as I was carrying concealed IWB.

He jokingly asked if I was "..not going to shoot him..". I assured him not in the same tone. He found all in order and went on down the line of hunters checking their credentials.

As I said, both encounters were pleasant, and the officers were friendly and professional. Neither asked where the weapons were.

[Lucky45]

What does everyone think so far about the results with the majority (42%) of CHL getting a warning when they were silent about their carry status during a traffic stop. I was seeing others tell their story about their encounter and have found IMHO, that as long as you don't start yakking about having a weapon initially, then you tend to get sent on your way. I have seen some say that they tell the officer along the lines of "officer, just for your safety or to let you know.....yada, yada, yada." and they most of the times get a ticket. I was wondering if you think that the LEO probably sway his decision on the matter on a person's impression whenever the driver initiates the issue about carrying a weapon. You know some people speak in several different tones, and if the LEO hears it in what he deems a "negative" tone then I can see where they would write a ticket since you might be coming over as cocky or something. Just my opinion.

[kw5kw]

In Plano, two years ago now, I was pulled over for 66/55 in a construction zone with no workers present (Saturday around noon). Pulled over at earliest possible moment, presented both license, allow motorcycle officer to control the conversation and received a ticket. He did comment that his hand held computer would not allow him to back out the ticket once he'd started it!

So, I have one safety course on my record for a few more years.

[Will938]

I got pulled over again for 73 in a 65 by a state trooper about a month ago. Lots of what I think might be mitigating factors here. I was silent and gave both licenses, he asked what kind of pistol I was carrying. I told him I was not carrying today because I was returning from Fort Hood. That got a smile from him and some friendly chatter. He also made note, how lucky am I, of the Houston Police Department boxing team shirt I was wearing. I didn't think I was speeding but I bit my tongue, ended up with a warning.

I just got new tires after this encounter and figured out that my old ones were way bigger than stock, so I was probably going 4-5 mph mph faster than it showed...that explains a lot. At least I know I can usually get away with at least 5 over, as thats what I must have been doing for the last 5 years

[dukalmighty]

There is no way to show rate of tickets issued with way the stop was handled,every traffic stop is unique,and a headlight out is far different fom speeding 20mph over the posted limit,unless you broke it down into reason for stop,county road,highway,city limits,then we could look a smal police department versus DPS,or county.Theres a lot of variables.I was speeding 15 over the limit i missed a speed reduction sign entering a town and i got a ticket,I don't think a case of shipley's donuts coulda saved me

[Venus Pax]

I was wondering if you think that the LEO probably sway his decision on the matter on a person's impression whenever the driver initiates the issue about carrying a weapon.

I have to agree. The more one talks, the more one chances digging a deeper hole.

LEOs are no strangers to handguns. I'm guessing that if we don't make an issue of our carry status, they won't likely do so either.