conceal carry laws

[timberghost72]

I can't find a law for this but I wanted to know if it is required by law to inform a  LEO when asked specifically if you have any guns or weapons in the vehicle or on your person. I know we don't have to by law inform them unasked but what about when asked? If it is required can someone point out the RCW? This question is for only licensed conceal carry holders.

[pianoman9701]

I couldn't find a part of the law that specifically says you must tell them you have a firearm when they ask, but there's this:

RCW 9.41.050
Carrying firearms.

(1)(a) Except in the person's place of abode or fixed place of business, a person shall not carry a pistol concealed on his or her person without a license to carry a concealed pistol.

     (b) Every licensee shall have his or her concealed pistol license in his or her immediate possession at all times that he or she is required by this section to have a concealed pistol license and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so. Any violation of this subsection (1)(b) shall be a class 1 civil infraction under chapter 7.80 RCW and shall be punished accordingly pursuant to chapter 7.80 RCW and the infraction rules for courts of limited jurisdiction.

     (2)(a) A person shall not carry or place a loaded pistol in any vehicle unless the person has a license to carry a concealed pistol and: (i) The pistol is on the licensee's person, (ii) the licensee is within the vehicle at all times that the pistol is there, or (iii) the licensee is away from the vehicle and the pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

     (b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.

     (3)(a) A person at least eighteen years of age who is in possession of an unloaded pistol shall not leave the unloaded pistol in a vehicle unless the unloaded pistol is locked within the vehicle and concealed from view from outside the vehicle.

     (b) A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor.

     (4) Nothing in this section permits the possession of firearms illegal to possess under state or federal law.

[pianoman9701]

It would be against the law to lie about it. Whether or not refusing to answer the question is against the law, I don't know.

[timberghost72]

Hmmmm. That's a tough one. It is kind of open to interpretation. If he knows you are carrying he can then ask to see your license and you are required to do so. But what if  he just asks about a gun in the vehicle during a routine traffic stop for something like a headlight out? I'm not advocating deceit or lying to LEO's but I am curious about what my rights are on this subject.

[pianoman9701]

Hmmmm. That's a tough one. It is kind of open to interpretation. If he knows you are carrying he can then ask to see your license and you are required to do so. But what if  he just asks about a gun in the vehicle during a routine traffic stop for something like a headlight out? I'm not advocating deceit or lying to LEO's but I am curious about what my right are on this subject.

So, you're aware that if you have a concealed carry license, the officer can quickly find out before approaching the vehicle, right? In most cases, they know when they walk up to your car that you have the CPL. And, because they know, they're probably going to ask if you have a firearm. I don't see any problem with letting a cop know if they ask. Should they request that you surrender that firearm for no reason, I would have a problem with that, although I've heard of very few instances of that happening anywhere in the state.

[timberghost72]

That is not true. I know many County Sheriffs and I spent 7 years working on their vehicles and equipment and in car computer systems. I've had them look me up several times while working on the cars or just BSing with them. No CPL data. They have also told me that they don't get that info. May have changed in the last year but  or maybe some other agencies do have that capability.

Maybe Bigtex could shed some light on that?

[pianoman9701]

That is not true. I know many County Sheriffs and I spent 7 years working on their vehicles and equipment and in car computer systems. I've had them look me up several times while working on the cars or just BSing with them. No CPL data. They have also told me that they don't get that info. May have changed in the last year but  or maybe some other agencies do have that capability.

Maybe Bigtex could shed some light on that?

I think things have changed since then. They're able to see anyone in the state who has a CPL.

[timberghost72]

If that is true then I guess my OP would be a moot point. It would be nice to know for sure if  CPL data is available.

[pianoman9701]

I believe it was Bigtex who gave us that info some time ago in another thread.

[timberghost72]

Any LEO's have input on this?

I believe it was Bigtex who gave us that info some time ago in another thread.

I couldn't find this thread.

[pianoman9701]

PM BT.

[10thmountainarcher]

That is not true. I know many County Sheriffs and I spent 7 years working on their vehicles and equipment and in car computer systems. I've had them look me up several times while working on the cars or just BSing with them. No CPL data. They have also told me that they don't get that info. May have changed in the last year but  or maybe some other agencies do have that capability.

Maybe Bigtex could shed some light on that?

I hope they didn't. That system is not supposed to be used in this manner.. big no no if they did.

[Special T]

This question come up a lot. I will tell you what my Leo friend told me. DOL records are SEPARATE from  warrants and CC licenses. A Leo pulls over your vehicle and as he is doing so he calls in your LP# to get your information.  Once he has the registered owners name he makes a request to find out if the registered owner has a warrant or CC Lic. Dispatch has 2 separate computers that  access those records. Now when the Leo walks up to vehicle he/she asks if you are the registered owner of the vehicle. If you answer YES the Leo knows nearly everything he needs to about you. Here in Skagit Country they nearly always ask if your the registered owner. Lots of warrants and CCL in this county i guess.

[WARHORSE]

different agency's run different initial checks when a plate is ran. if a LEO sees a pistol in the vehicle he/she can check cpl or felon status. some LEOs ask everyone they stop if there is any guns in the vehicle for no other reason then safety for all parties. Honesty is always best if you are acting irrational and there is a gun or the potential of a gun in the vehicle bet yer @$$ the tempo of the "routine" Traffic stop is going to change!