If you’re a law-abiding citizen, you appreciate the value of honesty. However, if you’re carrying a concealed firearm and are pulled over for a casual traffic stop or minor violation, you might have second thoughts about telling the police officer you’re carrying a firearm. You may have many reasons for being reluctant to disclose this information, such as not wanting to make a big deal out of it or wanting to avoid causing the officer any more hassle than he or she would already have otherwise. But what does the law say? Do you have an obligation to inform law enforcement if you’re carrying a firearm? What if you don’t possess a concealed carry permit but are carrying a firearm in your car? One of the best ways to be informed about carrying firearms in Texas is to take a Texas online LTC class, where you’ll learn your legal responsibilities as a gun owner, including whether you’re required to tell a police officer you have a gun in your car.
Texas State License to Carry Handgun Laws & Selected Statutes
According to Texas law, as of September 2009, if a police officer pulls you over and you’re licensed to carry a firearm on your person, you’re obligated to provide your state identification or driver’s license and your license to carry only if the officer asks for your identification and you have a firearm on or near your person.
However, this rule is only applicable to individuals who are licensed to carry and are carrying their firearms at the time they’re stopped by police officers or state law enforcement agents. In addition, this only applies if the officers have asked for identification.
When you’re questioned or stopped by law enforcement and the officer never asks you for identification, you don’t need to inform him or her about your license to carry or even state that you’re carrying a firearm. Although it sounds unlikely, there are occurrences when police officers or state troopers won’t ask you for identification even if they pull you over.
It’s also worthwhile to note that the law doesn’t explicitly demand you have to provide your carrying status at the exact time of being stopped. It only requires that you provide the police officer or state trooper with the relevant information for the situation. However, it’s best to let the officer know at the beginning of the stop that you’re a license holder and have a firearm.
Carry Etiquette
Simply provide law enforcement with your license to carry and allow the officer to ask any questions that come to his or her mind. Remain calm, keep your hands in plain sight, and answer all questions the officer asks.
One of the most important parts of being a responsible gun owner is knowing the laws governing how to carry your firearm, both on your person and in a vehicle. Fortunately, high-quality firearms training is readily available. If you’re wondering “Can you get your LTC online in Texas?” the answer is “yes.” If you want to take a concealed carry class to get your carry permit, you’d like to update your knowledge with an LTC/CHL refresher course, or you need to find an LTC instructor for the proficiency demonstration, look no further than Online Texas LTC. You can complete our video-based classes on your computer, smartphone, or tablet in the comfort of your own home. To learn more about our high-quality online courses, reach out to us today at 512-675-2124.
