ArcaMax

I recently decided to get a concealed-carry permit so that (among other things) I can keep a loaded handgun with me in my car. Part of the application process included a state-mandated gun safety course - and a talk by a Va. state trooper about legal and other issues related to firearms and motor vehicles. Some of it may interest you - whether you "carry" or not. For example:

If you carry, the cop will know - In Virginia (my state) and most others that allow concealed carry, if you have a permit, the permit is tied to your driver's license and vehicle registration. So, if you get pulled for a traffic stop, the cop will probably know you're carrying (or might be) before he even approaches your vehicle to ask for your license and registration.

Don't sweat it - The trooper who spoke to my class told us that most cops are not worried about citizens with concealed carry permits - even though they may have a loaded pistol on their hip. Reason? People who go through gun safety/proficiency courses and who have been vetted by state and federal criminal background checks are by definition non-criminals. They're the least likely category of people to point a gun at a cop - even though they may be armed. Cops are much more worried about people who do have criminal backgrounds - and who don't sweat laws denying felons the right to legally carry a firearm (concealed or not).

What to do if stopped - If you get pulled over for a traffic stop and have a permit the first thing you should do after safely stopping the vehicle and turning off the engine is the same thing you should do if you don't have a permit: Put both hands on top of the steering wheel - ideally, fingers up. Do not fidget or root around for things. This is something cops will really appreciate; it defuses tension and lets the cop know you know he's (understandably) concerned about his physical safety during every traffic stop.

If you have a permit and are carrying, it can be a good idea to let the cop know, as he comes to your window, that you have a handgun and where it is located. If it is in the glovebox, where you also keep your paperwork, tell the cop you have a weapon there and ask him whether it's ok for you to get your registration, etc. - before you put your hands anywhere near your weapon. Again, if you have a permit, the cop's concern about your being armed will usually be minimal. But it is always smart to keep him feeling comfortable - permit or no permit.

Reciprocity - Many states that allow concealed carry permits also honor permits issued by other states to non-residents who may be traveling in or visiting their states. Here is a link to the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) which maintains a current list of states that have concealed carry laws and reciprocity agreements with other states: http://www.vcdl.org/static/ccw.html

Traveling with a permit and a gun - If you have a concealed carry permit it is legal for you to drive from your state through a state that does not allow concealed carry provided your destination is another state that does allow concealed carry. However, you should always put the unloaded gun in the trunk (or as far away from you as physically possible) with any ammunition you may be carrying in a separate part of the car. The safest thing of all - to avoid any possible hassle with gun-unfriendly states/authorities (as in DC, for instance) is to at least partially disassembly your gun and store it in a locked container in the trunk. Carry no ammo. This should make you "bulletproof" in the event you happen to get pulled over in a place like Washington, DC - and they want to try to hassle you about your possession of a firearm.

Shotgun racks are still legal - At least, in Virginia. So long as the gun isn't concealed, you may still carry - provided you live in what's known as an "open carry" state (like Virginia). However, legal and prudent are two very different things. If you don't have a permit, carrying a gun with you in your vehicle - "openly" or not - is a great way to get arrested and thrown in jail. Maybe worse. Sure, it will probably get sorted out - later, after you've spent time in the clink and had to spend who knows how much on expensive legal help. Not worth it. If you want to carry a firearm with you in your vehicle, get a permit. It'll make your life a lot easier.

Know the legal minutiae - Even if you do have a concealed carry permit, there are still many areas where you can end up in a boatload of trouble if you are found to have a weapon on you - even just ammunition and no gun to go with it. The trooper gave us an example. Because of Homeland Security rules, even those with permits may not carry weapons onto airport property - even if all you're doing is dropping someone off at the curb and you never step out of your own vehicle. The presence of a single live round of ammo in your car that rolled under the seat and which you forgot all about could result in a felony conviction - if your car gets searched while on airport property. It is very important to know the law; where you can carry - and where you can't.   

So, how come I decided to get a permit to carry a concealed handgun? Aside from the fact that we live in weird times and you never know when having a gun could be the difference between life and death, I also liked the idea that having a permit might help me get out of a ticket someday.  As mentioned earlier, if you have a permit, it means you have passed a criminal background check - which means you're probably not a dirt bag. At the least, you've never been convicted of a serious offense. Cops appreciate that. Compared with the stuff they have to wade through every day, you're looking pretty good to them.

And that little bit of breaking the ice can often lead to getting a break!

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www.ericpetersautos.com or EPeters952@aol.com for comments.