So I spend a lot of time in the northeast.  A lot of the time I am off the beaten track in the middle of no where.  I have my NH permit, but would like to carry concealed when I am up in Maine as well.  At first glance, it looks like with the relatively new law, it is no big deal.  But it does seem that a lot of people think that there are certain specifics that make you think otherwise.   

 

Number one being the fact that even though I am lawfully allowed to own and therefore carry my firearm concealed (legally purchased by myself in NJ through the proper channels, legally transported following the FOPA regulations, etc. - considering I do not have a non-resident permit, the law states that if I am stopped or questioned by law enforcement I must immediately let them know that I have a concealed firearm on my person.  Some seem to think that the law is written this way so that the officer may then hold/detain you for further investigation.  

 

I am sure there are some officers out there that would take the opportunity to do so.  But, if you are a law abiding citizen, say an officer shows up because your on the side of the road with a flat tire, or something simple.  Or someone rear-ends you in town.  IE: technically you didn't break any laws or do anything wrong.  Either just got unlucky or in the wrong place at the wrong time.  You notify the officer that you are carrying a concealed firearm that you are lawfully allowed to posses - Realistically, where does it typically go from there?  I have to assume they will just do the normal run your DL and check registration/insurance.  Or will a hard-a** officer thats having a bad day put you in the back of his patrol car and jam you up for a couple hours, or worse?  Will they want to see/check the firearm?  If so - What is the safest way to do this so that they feel safe and secure?  

 

I am just wondering if its even worth it.  I am sure there are other aspects of the law that may cause concern as well.   

 

In closing - Is it worth it, or does the firearm stay at home?  I have a very high respect for the law enforcement community, And I want to do my part to keep them safe.  I just dont want to get stuck or detained in Maine because I was obeying the law.

Maine has constitutional carry, meaning whenever you're there you can carry if you're legal to do so, no permit required. Not confusing

 

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Maine has constitutional carry, meaning whenever you're there you can carry if you're legal to do so, no permit required. Not confusing

 

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I am looking for more information regarding a specific section of that law.  There are differences if you do posses a permit or if you do not.  

In Maine? No sir there are not. You don't need a permit to carry there period. If you're stopped by police you must inform them you're carrying. If you have a permit you don't have to inform them of anything. Oh and you can also carry in Acadia if you have a permit. So yeah I guess there are subtle differences, but for everyday carry just have at it.

 

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You still might want to consider getting a Maine carry permit (I have one and it is very easy to obtain). Without this permit you would not be allowed to carry within a 1000 feet of a school under Federal Law (there are other details I have omitted).

 

This is probably true in any constitutional carry state.

Looking at a map on usacarry.com dated 2015 all but 2 states have a duty to inform or a requirement to inform if asked.

 

I feel your over thinking this. Constitutional Carry is Constitutional Carry in states that have it. They don't usually differentiate in the law between residents and non-residents. The only state I know of that has an exception is WY which allows non-residents to open carry but not concealed.

 

LEOs in constitutional or carry friendly states are accustomed to encountering people carrying. There is no reason to believe they would "target" someone.

 

If you're in a Constitutional Carry state even the most a "hard ass" cop could legally do is run a criminal history to see if you were a convicted felon. That would take minutes not hours.

 

Remember unlike NJ gun laws most laws are written telling you what you can't do not what you can do.

NJGF - I will likely pursue it one day.  My next will likely be Florida as I have family there and travel there regularly.

 

Griz - Thank you for the insight/info.  That makes me feel a little better, and your right Im just so used to having to try to interpret things defensively I guess.  

What will often happen is the officer will want to take possession of your firearm for the duration of the stop for everybody's "safety".

 

My opinion is the safest course is to leave it in the holster but what do I know?

In Arizona, anyone, resident or not, can carry openly or concealed without a permit.

Florida and many other states you dont have to notify the cop you're carrying. It might be a good idea sometime.  It never happened but if my gun is in the glove compartment and I get stopped I will inform the officer before reaching in there. ( you dont even need a CCW to have a loaded gun in your glove compartment)