TULSA, Okla. — When Constitutional Carry comes into effect on November 1, it will mean much more than simply being able to carry a gun without a permit.
The law includes changes such as what you have to tell police officers at a traffic stop. When the law goes into effect, you won't have to tell an officer you're driving with a firearm during a traffic stop. However, police can still ask you to tell them that information after they approach your car.
If an officer asks you if you have a firearm in your car and you do, but still say no, you can be cited if you're caught with it in your possession. Officers say that's why it's still best to be open and honest about where it is in the vehicle.
Kelley Gilmore is a firearms instructor who has been teaching for 43 years. He says since February, the number of people in each of his bi-weekly classes has gone down because they no longer have to spend the money to get educated.
But once the law becomes reality, he hopes that number will go back to normal, so people understand the responsibility of carrying a gun on their hip.
"The old saying that ignorance of law is no excuse really comes home here," Gilmore said. "It's really just too inexpensive to make sure you're not going to have a problem."
Despite the law change, there are still many places in Oklahoma where you cannot take a firearm. Those include:
- government buildings
- courthouses, jails, prisons
- public schools
- private schools unless authorized by the owner
- sports arenas and venues unless authorized by the event holder
- gambling establishments unless authorized by the owner
- The Gathering Place - concealed carry is allowed
- Tulsa Zoo - concealed carry is allowed
The Philbrook Museum and Oklahoma State University have stated their policies prohibiting firearms on property and they will remain.
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