TexasCHLforum.com

I have read on a couple of websites that when not carrying, one does not
have to show their CHL to a police officer when stopped. However, i can't
find this in writing or published as a state law (house bill). Can someone
point me to where I can find this info? Thanks.

The law, at least how I remember it from my class from ElGato recently, says you are required to provide your CHL (if you have one) anytime an officer asks for identification.
Now there is no legal penalty for not doing so, but for me, I will be very open with any officer asking for ID, as I don't want them going back to their car, and seeing that the CHL is linked to the TDL, to believe that I have something to hide.

Whether you are required to when not carrying, is legal or not, to me is irrelevant (but I do believe you are required to)

The law that requires you to show your CHL has specific conditions for the requirement.

If the conditions aren't met, it's not required.

You're not required to but that doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. Personally, I'm going to assume the officer is notified of my CHL when he calls in my info. Why hide it?

I'm going to at least tell him, "Officer, I do have a CHL but I am NOT carrying at the moment".

judgedefender wrote:I have read on a couple of websites that when not carrying, one does not
have to show their CHL to a police officer when stopped. However, i can't
find this in writing or published as a state law (house bill). Can someone
point me to where I can find this info? Thanks.

Texas Government Code Section 411

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've not been stopped or asked for my ID since I got my CHL. If I am stopped tomorrow, I'm certainly going to produce my CHL along with my DL whether or not I have my carry on me at the moment. I always have one or two pistols behind the console covered on the floor board and a rifle, either my AR or Rem 700 22-250 in the right front seat next to the console and covered with a blue denim work shirt or jacket. I want him to know quickly so there are no surprises, either for him or me.

I think that it's a good idea to show your CHL anytime the LEO asks for id. He knows that Texas doesnt just "give away" CHL's and showing your CHL if you are not carrying will show him that you have nothing to hide, and will let him know that you're more than likely not a thug or a gang banger that is prone to acting like an idiot during an encoutner with him. I feel that it would just make the situation safer for both parties.

I'm all for RKBA, etc., but what's the big deal in showing your CHL? Whhats the debate? What's the harm in showing it if you are not carrying? Am I missing something?:confused5

You asked a legal question and got factual answers. Including one that actually quoted the law.

You also got a bunch of opinions, so here's mine. Guaranteed worth at least twice you paid for it.

Some people will say to show the police your CHL during a traffic stop if you're unarmed because it's the smart thing to do. I disagree. If you're driving around unarmed you already missed the boat on the smart thing to do.

boomerang wrote:
Some people will say to show the police your CHL during a traffic stop if you're unarmed because it's the smart thing to do. I disagree. If you're driving around unarmed you already missed the boat on the smart thing to do.

If I am ever stopped by a LEO, i will ALWAYS show him my CHL because I will always be armed.

Since receiving my license in October, there has been only 1 time that I haven't carried, and that was when I had to go into the county courthouse.

It will show up when they run your DL number, I'd give it to them to begin with.....

I would go ahead and present my CHL with the drivers license - and quickly point out if I wasn't carrying, or clearly let the LEO know if I was carrying, asking them on how they would want me to proceed.
Don't want any surprises for them or for ME!

G26ster wrote:I'm all for RKBA, etc., but what's the big deal in showing your CHL? Whhats the debate? What's the harm in showing it if you are not carrying? Am I missing something?:confused5

I guess for the same reason I politely say no sir when asked if they can search my vehicle,, most often responded with “ Sir do you have something to hide?” Why no officer I have something to uphold,, my right to privacy and not be searched without probable cause, Sir if you have it I will comply with your lawful orders no problem, but if your asking, then I respectfully decline.

In reality I'll always present it, as I will always be required to by law (you can read between the lines)

bronco78 wrote:

G26ster wrote:I'm all for RKBA, etc., but what's the big deal in showing your CHL? Whhats the debate? What's the harm in showing it if you are not carrying? Am I missing something?:confused5

I guess for the same reason I politely say no sir when asked if they can search my vehicle,, most often responded with “ Sir do you have something to hide?” Why no officer I have something to uphold,, my right to privacy and not be searched without probable cause, Sir if you have it I will comply with your lawful orders no problem, but if your asking, then I respectfully decline.

In reality I'll always present it, as I will always be required to by law (you can read between the lines)

Yep, between the lines read And you have a perfect right to do as you describe. But, as the LEO is going to find out a person has a CHL anyway, what's the point of not showing it? Personally I don't think not showing it increases your chances of getting away without a citation. Just MHO.