FYI Texas CHL Holders

[GlockinItUp]

For all of my fellow Texas CHL holders, I have a quick bit of information for you guys. Now, I may be the only one that didn't know this but when the police run your license, your CHL shows up. How do I know you may ask? I was stopped on Texas A&M's campus where I am a teacher/student. I was dropping my fiance off at a building, and since the building is relatively far from the street, I drove down a walkway to get her closer to the building (don't like her walking that far at night by herself). I know driving on a walkway sounds a little crazy, but SO many people do it, and I've done it several times before. Well tonite when I did it campus police pulled up behind me and took my license, insurance, etc. Stupid me, I forgot that my gun was under the seat, and didn't notify (I know how stupid that was so don't beat me up too bad). When I remembered I was gonna tell her, but she came back to the car and asked me if I had it before I could get a word out. I told her yes, it was under the seat, and she said: make sure it stays there. To make a long story short, I got a warning for driving on a sidewalk, was lucky enough that the officer never said anything about not notifying, am still kicking myself in the butt for forgetting, and will park and walk her there myself next time

The lesson: never forget to notify, because they will find out

Happy shooting!!!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Eddie A.]

That's a good bit of information. I had heard that it was like that in some places, but didn't realize that Texas was one of those places. BTW, don't beat yourself up too bad, your are human so you'll forget thing from time to time. Just try harder next time.

Eddie

[rodc13]

Your CHL class instructor did you a gross injustice if you did not know the requirement to produce your license to an LEO if you are stopped for a violation while carrying. It should have been drilled into you as part of the basics. Any time your drivers license is run, it will show up that you also hold a CHL. It's a good habit to just always produce it if you're stopped, even if you're not carrying. You are quite fortunate that you were not cited. I would think that a KK would especially like to nail you on it. Now would be a good time to review the concealed carry statutes so you don't get caught short again.

[hsuCowboy98]

Your CHL class instructor did you a gross injustice if you did not know the requirement to produce your license to an LEO if you are stopped for a violation while carrying. It should have been drilled into you as part of the basics.
+1

They do know, and they will ask. It is cross referanced with your D/L.

Glad nothing came of the stop.

[Eddie A.]

I don't beleive anything was said about our instructors failing to tell us to produce both DL and CHL when stopped, I know mine did. We just didn't know that it came up on the LEO's screen when they run our plates. No gross injustices were commited.

Eddie

[Timmy Jimmy]

It was actually on my test, and I am almost positive if you do not give your CHL to the cop when you are asked for ID and you are carrying that you can be have your CHL taken for 3 months the first time and 6 months the second and totally revoked the 3rd time.

Edited:

GC 411.187 Suspention of license A License may be suspended under this section if the holder:

(2) fails to display a license as required by section 411.205


411.205 states: Displaying License; Penalty, requires a license holder carrying a concealed handgun on or about their person to display the driver license and concealed handgun license on demand for identification from a peace officer or magistrate.

[TC-TX]

Yep - this is a No-No... It is a good habit to ALWAYS present your DL & Your CHL at the same time... ALWAYS.

HOWEVER - with the new Texas Vehicle Carry amendment (the traveling principle as a defense to prosecution) - AS I UNDERSTAND IT - since the firearm was not on your person outside of your vehicle, and you did not present your CHL, you COULD carry as you were and NOT be in violation of anything.

You could simply claim that you were carrying IN YOUR CAR - NOT under the authority of your CHL - but under the traveling proviso of the State Code.

I will check this out next week while I am at DPS in Austin... I am sure they have an opinion!

[Timmy Jimmy]

TC

I will be interested in what DPS says but I will disagree with you in a friendly way on both of those points.

1. If you have a CHL and the weapon is within reach I don't think you can claim I was using the Travel Rules, I think the CHL rules trump the travel rule mostly when it is in Black and White Sectiojn 411.205.

2. When Terry Keel (who is my state rep) put the Travel Law Bill together his intent was for anyone to carry in their car and you could call it traveling. The problem is a number of DAs have said that if you are going to 7-11 that is not traveling (I would say taking your girl to a class would be seen just like going to 7-11). I am not sure about the DA over in AGGIE country but the one in Houston and Austin have told the LEOs to arrest people if they are not traveling using the old definition of traveling (which is something about passing through 2 counties and over night and some other stuff) and they will prosecute and let the court decide.

[TC-TX]

TC

I will be interested in what DPS says but I will disagree with you in a friendly way on both of those points.

Me too - like i said - As I Understand It at this time...

Point 1 - I remember the term ON OR ABOUT ONE'S PERSON is the part to deal with... Like i said in my original post - as long as it was not on him... Like I said - I am not sure...

Point 2 - I have heard and read of the various DA's positions. The problem is A) Most DA's - the ones I have talked to - believe this is in violation of the Office they hold... and B) The law clearly states that if none of the 4 conditions exist, it is not prosecutable. INNOCENT until proven Guilty - WOW! What a Concept!!!

I KNOW - even if you win in court, this does not do away with the hassles, cost of defense, etc. I AM CERTAIN this will soon have it's own defining moment for clarification.

We will find out next week for sure...

[HighVelocity]

Had you given the Officer your DL, CHL and Insurance, you probably wouldn't have gotten anything except a little lecturing.
I have been pulled over 3 times since I got my CHL and was let go every time.

[fuclosure]

all of the the traveling requirments under the travel proviso are unnecessary if you just present your chl.

[Ride4TheBrand]

all of the the traveling requirments under the travel proviso are unnecessary if you just present your chl.

True that.

While the provisions of the newly established definitions of "traveling" might be in effect, when it comes right down to it, the officer who stopped you still has alot of discretionary leeway. He can take it either way.

The license negates this discretion when presented properly and in a timely manner.

[exit42]

I have also been stopped several times since I've had my CHL and have not recieved a ticket. It let's the police know right away your are not a bad guy and usually they want to talk about what your carrying. I have a friend that works late and gets stopped quite a bit and the same thing happens to him. It also makes a great 2nd ID.

[exit42]

nuts ...received(bad spelling), duh.

[40FIVER]

I may forget where I put my reading glasses, but I NEVER forget where my guns are.

I am glad you only got a lecture. +1 for that campus cop. Buy her a cup of coffee and a donut.

And shame on that CHL instructor for not hammering that into your head.