TexasCHLforum.com

I also keep my CHL and TDL together with my insurance card and all came out together and were presented the one time I've been stopped since getting my CHL. I wasn't carrying, either, but heeded the advice of my CHL instructor. I agree with all who have stated that it's simply "easier" all the way around to make this SOP during a traffic stop. I got the ticket I deservered, the DPS trooper was the perfect image of professionalism that I have come to admire in them, and he appreciated me presenting my CHL and informing him that I was not armed.

However, I can think of one excellent reason not to present my CHL when stopped and not carrying...because I DON'T HAVE TO. BY LAW, I AM NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO. It's that simple. It's not my responsibility to train LEOs, and it's certainly unethical (if not illegal) for one to threaten me with punishment for a violation/crime I did not commit.

Presenting when not armed as an effort to prove what a good, law-abiding person you are in hopes of getting out of the ticket you probably deserve is questionable, too. A CHL is a license to carry a concealed handgun according to the laws of the State of Texas and nothing more. Sure, it makes a comment on the license holder to some extent, but I don't agree with the sentiment that I should "take full advantage of it." It happens, and I don't think I'd question an LEO's wisdom at simply giving me a warning if I get stopped in the future...I am not crazy.

In practice, I agree with just about all of the reasons previsously mentioned that presenting even when unarmed is a good idea. Like I said, I've done it and will probably always do so. However, I feel the way I do because of all of the negative reasons and scenarios that I have read and heard about such as that one from the OP. I realize that there's often a disconnect between what would occur in a perfect world and what we experience in real life, but it would be nice if all of the good guys could and would understand and play by the same set of rules.

I am sure I'll get flamed on this, so I've dawned PBI drawers....