re: is it legal to have gun in car on the seat?

Thanks -- my error.

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That also varies by state. In Virginia I don't ever have to tell an officer i am carrying. If i were to get pulled over and was carrying at the time, i only have to show my CHP if the officer asks for my driver's license. Don't have to give any information away.

That being said I would let that officer know because if he was smart he would have already known that i have a CHP by running my plates before approaching the car. Funny thing is it flags any vehicle plates at the household saying that a resident in that home has a CHP.

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dawg, is that how it is in Louisiana too? I know it flags my DL but does it flag every vehicle I would have insurance under at my house, like wife/kids' vehicles in my name?

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That being said I would let that officer know because if he was smart he would have already known that i have a CHP by running my plates before approaching the car. Funny thing is it flags any vehicle plates at the household saying that a resident in that home has a CHP. My wife enjoyed that question one day getting pulled over, "Ma'am are you currently carrying a firearm?" Even though i told her that she never remembered until that day

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yeah I am aware of that. Still not going to offer up having a gun in my car to a cop just to do it. whats the point of telling him? should you tell him you have a baseball bat?

Yes.

Even then there are exceptions... Depending on WHERE you get out.

I disclose depending on where the gun is sitting at the time.

From the situation you described your buddy is lucky the guy ran off. If he would of shoot the guy, your buddy would of been facing some charges. No where in the situation you described do I see where his life was in danger.

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dawg, is that how it is in Louisiana too? I know it flags my DL but does it flag every vehicle I would have insurance under at my house, like wife/kids' vehicles in my name?

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If you're carrying concealed in LA, you're required to notify a LEO anytime he approaches you in an "official manner." Failure to do so can result in a fine and the suspension of your permit.

The confusion arises regarding having a gun in your vehicle. The opinions I've garnered say that's not "concealed carry" any more than carrying in your home is "concealed carry."

If you're pulled over while driving, and the LEO asks if you have guns in the vehicle (he'll probably already know that you have a permit), you should be truthful. He'll be upset if he finds out that you lied. To my knowledge there is no legal sanction associated with lying to a LEO about something like this, but I don't think there's any good reason to lie to a cop about this.

As far as having a gun on the seat, there's no LA prohibition against this. Common sense, however, would suggest that you have it secured so that (a) it's out of sight of thieves and (b) it's where you want it to be if you suddenly need it -- for example, it likely won't remain on the seat after suddenly applying the brakes or after you're forced into a ditch during a "road rage" incident.

You can use deadly force to prevent a forced entry into your car, if you're in it, just like with your home. AKA "Shoot the Carjacker" law. It's all about what the armed individual in the car reasonably believes is necessary to prevent the forced entry. Some bum walking up unannounced and opening your truck door could certainly be a forced entry. It's a place he's got no right to be. Doesn't matter the door was unlocked. How was your friend supposed to know he only wanted some bucks and not to shoot him and take his truck?

An old buddy of mine's wife story - back in the 90's, there were a lot of smash and grab robberies at red lights in nola. She was on Claiborne at a red light. Dude ran up, smashed her window and leaned in to take her purse. She shot him with the .38 she kept handy when driving at night. I don't remember if the guy died. No charges. This was either right after shoot the carjacker or right before and it was then introduced to protect people in that situation. Can't recall which.

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why is it any of his business what I have in my vehicle, as long as it is not illegal?

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It's not really, but they often ask. I think they may be entitled to ask for "safety" but I could be wrong.

I was always told to tell them if you have one in the car (assuming you're legal). I don't honestly know who told me that, perhaps cops I was frineds with or hung out with occasionally in bars (holy shite those guys party).

The few times I've been stopped with a gun in the car, I've told them. They were always very appreciative that I told them, and all three times, let me go with no ticket. One of those times, I was speeding, had no proof of insurance, no brake tag and no registration. Long story, but I explained it to the cop, and he sent me on my way, after clearing my gun and unloading it.

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I have a respect for what cops do on a daily basis. I volunteer with a local EMS agency where I live and find myself shoulder to shoulder with officers almost every shift.

It's a personal preference that I would want if I was in the officer's situation. I offer that respect to them and it is well received. Have never received a ticket here in VA since I moved here. Having my county sticker in the back window as well as EMS plates helps a bit, but I don't act like an arse just because I'm not required to volunteer information to them such as being armed at the time if they don't ask

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You telling the cop you have a gun in your car does absolutely nothing. Do you also tell him you have a kitchen knife, bat, tire tool, etc?