Declare or not declare that is the question.

[Dragonfighter]

I have seen a few attitudes change from terse to almost friendly with the presentation of CHL and declaration of being armed. Whether that was a peace of mind issue, pro-gun bias or just "be nice to the armed citizen" thing, I don't know. The results however were tangible.

The penalty for not presenting a CHL may have been removed, but the requirement to present is still part of the law.

Given the above to reasons and being a law abiding citizen, I'll likely present whenever required and often as a courtesy.

[stevie_d_64]

Ours is not to reason why, only to declare or die..."

Ehhh, it rhymes...So what...

[Deltaboy]

I declared the only time I have been stopped since getting my CHL and I was requested to exit the Suv and walk to the back of the car while the DPS officer ran my DL and CCL. 30 seconds later he hands both back says thank you and have a safe trip. I have enough LEO friends that I will always declare out of respect for them.

[dac1842]

I am former LE. I ALWAYS tell them I have a CHL and tell them if I am armed or not. (Cant carry at work so sometimes I a am not carrying). LEO's are supposed to be a suspicious, skeptical lot. So when you don't tell him you are carrying and he finds out on his own, then his mindset is ,"what else did he/she not tell me?". It is easier on everyone if you tell all upfront.
You have nothing to lose by disclosing. Sure we all have been through a background check. All that means to a LEO is at the time you applied you were clear, or had not been caught yet. He has to be somewhat paranoid, that is what keeps him alert and alive.
Until you have been there and done that, don't knock it

[loneranger4x4]

the way I see it, it is a good idea to show it because it eliminates the surprize factor. a scenario would be if you were asked to step out of the vehicle and your gun was accidentally exposed or is printing. if you had shown that you have a CHL, then the officer would probably be expecting to see it, however if you didnt show him or her, then you might be face down in handcuffs before you had a chance to explain. just my .02 cents.

[rdcrags]

So when you don't tell him you are carrying and he finds out on his own, then his mindset is ,"what else did he/she not tell me?".

That's the way I look at it.

TX CHL 1997
CO CHP 2005

[jmra]

You are still legally required to present your CHL along with your DL if stopped and asked for ID. Only the penalty for failure to do so was removed.

I think you are only required to show chl with dl if you are carrying at the time. ICBW.

[G26ster]

You are still legally required to present your CHL along with your DL if stopped and asked for ID. Only the penalty for failure to do so was removed.

I think you are only required to show chl with dl if you are carrying at the time. ICBW.

That's correct. If your handgun is "on or about your person" you must show your CHL if asked for ID.

[Zen Nomad]

My CHL is in a holder with my license. I turn over both, even if not carrying. I've never been harassed and always been treated with respect. As I see it, we're on the same side. I want to be upfront and honest with the officer and want them to do the same with me.

[Tamie]

I hand them my cards but I don't volunteer any other information.

[Keith]

It's been said already I'll just repeat. When they run your license they are going to know anyway. Just show it if nothing else to save time. The longer you are on the side of the road is more chance of getting plowed into by on coming cars. Happens all the time.

[Purplehood]

It's been said already I'll just repeat. When they run your license they are going to know anyway. Just show it if nothing else to save time. The longer you are on the side of the road is more chance of getting plowed into by on coming cars. Happens all the time.

It is the law that you show it when asked for ID and are carrying.

There is no penalty for failure to comply with the law.

Comply with the law. If you don't, it should be only because you forgot. No big - there is no penalty.

//steps off soapbox

[Westfield]

Just today I was stopped for not stopping completely at a stop sign...(speed trap area)..When the officer approached and came to my window I gave mim my DL and CHL...Just asked if I was carrying ...I said yes....That was the end of it....I don't see the problem with presenting the chl...

[SwimFan85]

I got partially disarmed last time I got stopped.

I think it's a good move I only told him about one of my guns.

[Purplehood]

I got partially disarmed last time I got stopped.

I think it's a good move I only told him about one of my guns.

That is actually funny and fortunate that you are presumably one of the good guys...