CHL in a commercial vehicle

[ls6tt]

Buddy is a repo man, was informed that he cannot carry inside of his vehicle since it is considered a commercial vehicle.

I dont see anywhere in the statues that say this is true. Can anyone verify? Ive emailed the state (Monday) but no reply as of yet

[seamusTX]

This is not true. It's a false belief that has been circulating for years with no validity.

- Jim

[roberts]

Informed by who? Maybe there's a company policy against it.

[Carrots]

Informed by who? Maybe there's a company policy against it.

That sounds about right. I looked at this for a possible way to earn a bit of money, but was put off by the "no guns allowed" policy and the lousy pay. $10 p/h to put yourself at that kind of risk?! No thanks

[Jason73]

A company policy that prohibits firearms in a commercial vehicle is in no way shape or form related to Federal law. There is absolutely nothing in 49 CFR that prohibits posession of a firearm in a commercial motor vehicle. This myth has been circulating for many years and has no factual basis whatsoever.

My brother has been an OTR driver for over 10 years, and for the past 4 of those years he has been carrying with his CHL. He has been stopped countless times during those years for inspections at weigh stations as well as roadside safety checks by both State and local police. He even went thru a US Border Patrol inspection recently in New Mexico. Each time he has presented the officer with his DL and CHL and each time the response has been no different than if he had just given his DL, with the exception of an Illinois State Trooper, who was amazed to see his first "real live CHL". (no, you cannot legally carry in IL, yes the cop gave him a pass because he is "one of the good guys" and the gun was locked up seperate from the ammo etc)

I drive on occasion as well, but only locally and only when our delivery driver calls in sick. I have had my share of inspections by Texas DPS because we haul hazardous materials and having placards on a truck are a the same as a big sign that says PULL ME OVER!. Not once have I had an issue either.

The point is, during all these inspections, if there were some mysterious federal law prohibiting posession of a firearm in a commercial motor vehicle, my brother and I, along with many others I know, would all be convicted felons in prison.

[seamusTX]

...an Illinois State Trooper, who was amazed to see his first "real live CHL". (no, you cannot legally carry in IL, yes the cop gave him a pass because he is "one of the good guys" and the gun was locked up seperate from the ammo etc)

That's great, but don't bet on it happening again.

I grew up in Chicago. I would not dare to have a firearm or ammunition in my possession in Cook or Lake County now. The rest of the state is more normal.

- Jim

[ELB]

...an Illinois State Trooper, who was amazed to see his first "real live CHL". (no, you cannot legally carry in IL, yes the cop gave him a pass because he is "one of the good guys" and the gun was locked up seperate from the ammo etc)

That's great, but don't bet on it happening again.

I grew up in Chicago. I would not dare to have a firearm or ammunition in my possession in Cook or Lake County now. The rest of the state is more normal.

- Jim

+1 on that. In fact, I would not show my CHL in any state that did not require it. This would be a pain in the neck for an OTR driver, but so would ending up in a legal fuss with the local constabulary in the more unfriendly states. No reason to give an officer more info than is required.

[A-R]

In fact, I would not show my CHL in any state that did not require it. This would be a pain in the neck for an OTR driver, but so would ending up in a legal fuss with the local constabulary in the more unfriendly states. No reason to give an officer more info than is required.

Off main topic, but the above post got me thinking .... Family is contemplating a cross-country road trip this summer. Are you "required" to show your CHL along with DL anywhere but Texas? I've been reading up on New Mexico and Arizona CHL statutes (as these states have reciprocity with Texas), but I know as soon as I cross that border into Leftifornia I'll be locking up the guns and ammo separately. Since Leftifornia has no "shall issue" CHL, I can't imagine that I"m required to show my Texas CHL to an LEO there.

[ls6tt]

thanks guys, i knew it didnt make much sense

[Rocket_Cowboy]

Off main topic, but the above post got me thinking .... Family is contemplating a cross-country road trip this summer. Are you "required" to show your CHL along with DL anywhere but Texas? I've been reading up on New Mexico and Arizona CHL statutes (as these states have reciprocity with Texas), but I know as soon as I cross that border into Leftifornia I'll be locking up the guns and ammo separately. Since Leftifornia has no "shall issue" CHL, I can't imagine that I"m required to show my Texas CHL to an LEO there.

IANAL, but ...

With states where we have reciprocity, my behavior is to show it along with my DL if I'm carrying. If I'm not carrying I don't show it outside of Texas. If I'm in a state that doesn't honor my Texas CHL, then I would not show it.

I know some states do not require that you notify the officer by presenting your CHL, but I subscribe to the theory that him knowing from me up front and giving him the option to control the encounter, generally puts the officer at ease and makes his job easier. If he's happy, I'm happy ... at least in theory.

[A-R]

Off main topic, but the above post got me thinking .... Family is contemplating a cross-country road trip this summer. Are you "required" to show your CHL along with DL anywhere but Texas? I've been reading up on New Mexico and Arizona CHL statutes (as these states have reciprocity with Texas), but I know as soon as I cross that border into Leftifornia I'll be locking up the guns and ammo separately. Since Leftifornia has no "shall issue" CHL, I can't imagine that I"m required to show my Texas CHL to an LEO there.

IANAL, but ...

With states where we have reciprocity, my behavior is to show it along with my DL if I'm carrying. If I'm not carrying I don't show it outside of Texas. If I'm in a state that doesn't honor my Texas CHL, then I would not show it.

I know some states do not require that you notify the officer by presenting your CHL, but I subscribe to the theory that him knowing from me up front and giving him the option to control the encounter, generally puts the officer at ease and makes his job easier. If he's happy, I'm happy ... at least in theory.

I agree with your assessment. I definitely wouldn't show it in California. But in New Mexico or Arizona, I do worry a bit about an ill-informed or over-zealous LEO who doesn't quite understand "reciprocity" and decides to haul me in to the local sheriff's jail for a few hours to "sort things out" ... meanwhile my wife and young children are scared and waiting and our trip is shot.

I need to re-read those sections of NM & AZ CHL law, but I don't think either state "requires" you to show a CHL in the state.

Anyone have better information than me about any of this?

[NuBer92]

I would not even say the word gun in california, however when i drove through on my way to a family reunion, Los Angeles has some very "unsavory" looking people eying my family in our Texas plates, needless to say i was at the ready as i quickly made my way to my destination in and out of LA area.