Proper Conduct for Concealed Carry Encounters with Michigan Police
Michigan – -(Ammoland.com)- – Responsibilities of Individuals With a Concealed Pistol License
1. An individual licensed to carry a concealed pistol who is stopped by a police officer (traffic stop or otherwise) while in possession of a pistol shall immediately disclose to the police officer that he or she is carrying a concealed pistol either on their person or in their motor vehicle. Failure to disclose this information to a police officer carries the following penalties:
- First offense = State Civil Infraction – $500 fine and 6-month CPL license suspension.
- Second offense = State Civil Infraction – $1000 fine and CPL license revocation.
2. An individual licensed to carry a concealed pistol shall have the license in his or her possession at all times he or she is carrying a concealed pistol.
- Failure to possess CPL license when carrying a concealed pistol is a State Civil Infraction and a $100.00 fine.
3. Upon request, an individual licensed to carry a concealed pistol shall show both of the following to a police officer:
- His or her license to carry a concealed pistol
- His or her driver license or personal identification card
Failure to show CPL license and Michigan driver license or Michigan personal identification card when carrying a concealed pistol is a State Civil Infraction and $100.00 fine.
4. A pistol carried in violation of numbers 1, 2, or 3 is subject to immediate seizure by a police officer.
If a pistol is seized for failure to possess a CPL while carrying a concealed pistol:
Individual has 45 days in which to display their license to carry a concealed pistol to the law enforcement agency that seized the pistol and the pistol shall be returned.
- If the individual does not display their license to carry a concealed pistol within 45 days the pistol is subject to forfeiture.
- To Ensure safety during police encounters if you are stopped by a law enforcement officer you should:
- Keep your hands where an officer can see them. Cooperate fully with the police officer.
- If you have a gun with you, tell the police officer as soon as possible.
- Do not make any quick movements, especially toward the weapon.
- If in a vehicle at night, turn on your vehicle’s dome light.
In certain circumstances, a law enforcement officer may take temporary possession of the weapon during interaction with the individual to ensure the safety of the officer and others. The police officer will return the pistol at the end of the stop unless the individual is being charged with a violation of the act or any other law that allows for the weapon to be seized.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Does the prohibition on carrying concealed pistols in schools and on school property (except while in a vehicle on school property while dropping off or picking up if a parent or legal guardian) apply when school is not in session? I often take my children to play on the swings/play structures in the school yard during the summer when school is out and would like to carry on those occasions.
A: MCL 28.425o which prohibits carrying concealed in schools and on school property does not provide an exemption for occasions when school is not in session such as on weekends and during the summer months. Consequently, apart from other exceptions, schools and school property remain “pistol free zones” even when school is not in session or closed.
About:
The Michigan Coalition for Responsible Gun Owners is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Formed from just eight people in 1996, we now have thousands of members and numerous affiliated clubs across the state. We’re growing larger and more effective every day.
Our mission statement is: “Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through education, litigation, and legislation” Visit: www.mcrgo.org