I don't think it is illegal to have loaded magazines in a vehicle, as long as they are not attached to a firearm.
Out of curiosity, say someone gets pulled over for something minor, plate light out etc. If that person told the LEO that they had a permit and a gun, does it now turn into getting out running the numbers checking the permit etc?
correct on the first part.
it is legal to have loaded magazines, as long as they're not in the weapon and as long as there is not a round chambered in the weapon.
Generally when transporting guns i have my magazine and firearm in 2 seperate locations in the car.
mags in back, guns in front. (probably should be the other way around....)
And as far as the second part, not neccessarily.
If the cop's a rookie, doesn't know the laws, or is being a jerk, then yes, he could conceivably tell you to get out of the vehicle with your hands up, etc.
Usually I see that sort of behavior from town and even some county police.
the state police are usually respectful of it, unless you're acting like douchebag.
I was stopped once for a seatbelt violation, didn't get anything out until the officer got to my window, kept my hands on the wheel the whole time,
handed the officer my cwp and license and stated that my registration was in the glove compartment with my insurance card and pistol.
officer was very reasonable, and while i'm sure he was keeping a close watch on me, he allowed me to stay in my car and get his information for him.
another time before i had my cwp i was transporting my pistol and shotgun from a friend's place. got stopped for a fog light violation.
kept hands on the wheel, officer walked up to the car and i mentioned my weapons on the seat beside me.
all he said was keep your hands on the wheel. gave him my license and that's that.
I don't think any of the times i've been stopped that they've done the numbers on my cwp. just my license.
In the state of Maine you are required to declare if you are carrying. It will typically get you some leniency depending on what you were stopped for. having a carry permit is a fairly good indicator that you are on the more upstanding side of citizenry.
I'm not entirely sure this is accurate.
I have always willingly handed my CWP over with my license. But I don't think there is a law requiring you to declare you're armed.
though the part about leniency is correct.
