I have a Florida permit (till I get back to Texas and get one there; then I'll have both) and while Florida doesn't require you to inform, I always did, while I was living there. I never once got a ticket, only warnings. Even for some serious stuff (ok, not that serious, stuff like towing a trailer without plates, the rest were speeding). In Texas, you're required to inform, and I've been pulled over there twice, and only got warnings.
I know a lot of folks around here and on other forums like to keep their secrets about carrying, and usually I do too. However, I know every time an LEO approaches a traffic stop, he's approaching what he considers a threat, and anything I can do to appear like less of a threat, I'll try to do. It usually helps me out. Like I said, I've never gotten a ticket.
I usually start out each traffic stop (I've gotten pretty good at them by now) with "Good Afternoon, sir, before we get started, I just want to inform you I have a concealed weapon permit and I do/do not have a handgun in the vehicle. How would you like to proceed?" They usually ask where the gun is, and most ask me to slowly pull it out and hand it to them, and they hold on to it for the duration of the stop. I then say "Its loaded, with one in the chamber. May I unload it?" They usually decline my offer and take it loaded, but I always tell them the condition of the piece.
Mainly, my objectives during an armed stop is to A) keep my ass out of hot water, B) keep the situation safe for everyone. After I do all that to deal with the gun, they're usually pretty cool with me and don't give me tickets. Just warnings.
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