When Police Run Your License: Understanding Concealed Carry Permits During a Traffic Stop

Welcome to Texas...

If you are driving a vehicle registered to you, the law enforcement officer (LEO) will know you have a 'License To Carry' (LTC) when they run your vehicle's license plate well before they approach you.

You should ask your local law enforcement agency. In my region, the answer is yes, they do indeed know. Personally, I have no problem knowing I have a Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) permit. My permit identifies me as an honorably retired Peace Officer, which, in my view, makes a difference from a regular Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit.

During a traffic stop, it's a good practice to inform the officer if you hold a CCW permit and if you have a weapon, where it is and how the officer wants to proceed. This reduces tension and the potential for dangerous miscommunication. While my state does not require me to declare having a CCW permit during a traffic stop, the officer will be informed once they run my license plate. In such cases, it's best to provide the information voluntarily.

Declaring Your CCW during a Traffic Stop

What I can confirm is that in every instance of being stopped in Nevada, I announced the presence of a loaded weapon and where it was located. In every instance, I was told to keep it there and not reach for it. I do not keep my weapon where my registration and insurance information is stored, as most states tie these together.

Real-Life Incidents

Incident 1 - The Late Night Jeep Stop:

One late night, I was driving my blue Jeep Wrangler when I was pulled over by a cop. He ran my tag and knew I had a Concealed Weapon Permit. He asked if I was armed, to which I replied "Yes." Curiously, he said he was looking for a stolen blue Jeep Cherokee, to which I countered, "This is not a Cherokee!"

Incident 2 - The Magical Van Ride:

At around 2:00 AM, my son was driving a beat-up old 15-passenger van back from visiting a friend near Disney World. He was stopped in the high-dollar town of Windermere, Florida, where Shaquille and Tiger Woods live. The cop pulled him over because he recognized the license plate from a concealed carry permit holder. When questioned, my son replied with a humorous twist: "There may be some swords, battle axes, dirks, and shields in the van since my dad and I do reenactments at Scottish festivals!" The cop started laughing and let him go.

The Importance of Honesty and Transparency

Honesty and transparency are crucial during a traffic stop. It's important to provide relevant information to minimize potential misunderstandings. While some states do not mandate the disclosure of a concealed carry permit, officers will often obtain this information by running the license plate or driver's license. This situation is an opportunity to de-escalate tension and ensure a smoother interaction with law enforcement.

Honorable mentions in this context include the LEOSA permit, which signifies the holder as an honorably retired Peace Officer. This unique identifier can make a difference in how officers interact with the permit holder during a traffic stop.