imported post
It also depends on how an LEO asks the question. Under NC law, in a traffic stop, the "operator" of the vehicle should have their DL and CHP (and registration/insurance info) ready at-hand when the LEO approaches the driver-side window. ALWAYS let the officer speak first--NEVER just blurt out that you are carrying.
After the officer addresses you (the operator), THEN you are required to inform him that you have a valid Concealed Handgun Permit (and tell him what state it's issued in. Example: "Officer, I am required by North Carolina Law to inform you that I have a valid NC Concealed Handgun permit, and I am currently carrying", as you are slowly handing him your paperwork.)
Then, after the LEO has your papers, keep BOTH your hands on the wheel, and maintain eye contact with the LEO. He will most likely then ask you if you have any other firearms in your vehicle. THEN and ONLY THEN would you be required to tell him about any other passengers who are carrying, and that they also have valid permits.
At this point, he's probably going to tell everyone to keep their hands where he can see them, and he's going to go back to the cruiser and call for backup. DO NOT freak out if this happens. DO NOT make any sudden moves, or reach for your wallets or start rummaging around in your luggage for your permits. The other members of your vehicle shoudl remain calm and still, with their hands visible. When the LEO is ready to proceed, he will instruct each person as to what he wants them to do.
DO NOT open any doors. DO NOT attempt to exit the vehicle. DO NOT roll down any of the windows. DO NOT move until you are instructed to do so, and then, make all your moves slowly, deliberately, and carefully.
These guys are generally pretty fair and even-handed if you give the appearance of an "upstanding citizen" and treat them politely. You need to realise that in some cities in NC, and ESPECIALLY on the I-95 Corridor, and in coastal areas, they run into all sorts of dicey individuals and are under a LOT of stress. Be polite, don't get scared, and don't act like as a$$-hole, and everything should be OK.
But you need to be sure and go to the NC Attorney General's website and download the Concealed Carry law PDF and MEMORIZE it. This is a link to the "Reciprocity" page. About 3/4 down the page is a hotlink to the PDF for NC firearms laws:
http://www.ncdoj.com/getdoc/19be6294-bfbf-4875-bbef-ac2ebb6f47b2/2-6-3-6-3-Concealed-Weapon-Reciprocity.aspx
The laws for CCW here in NC are VERY different from PA, and ignorance of the law is a sure ticket to a Class-1 Misdemeanor or worse.
I am a NC resident with a CHP, and I traveled through VA, WV, and PA on vacation this past summer. Before my trip I downloaded and printed out the CCW laws for ALL those states and familiarized myself with them. In the case of PA, (were I was spending most of my vacation), I even called the PA-AG and had them clarify a few things. The MAJOR difference between NC and PA CCW law is how they treat establishments that where "alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed". So in NC, you CANNOT carry your concealed (or open carry) a firearm into any bar or restaurant that serves any kind of alcohol. However, you CAN carry it into a retail store that sells beer or wine (like a grocery store, or a wine store, but NOT a liquor store, because they are "state stores" in NC, and have signs posted). Also, in NC, if you have ANY alcohol in your system, it is illegal to carry (open or concealed) a firearm. Period. That means if you're even going to have ONE beer at a friend's backyard BBQ, you'd better leave the gun at home, or locked in your trunk...
Download and read the laws. If anything is unclear, call the NC Attorney General:
http://www.ncdoj.com/About-DOJ/Law-Enforcement-Training-and-Standards/Law-Enforcement-Liason.aspx
Oh, yeah, and welcome to NC! even if it is for a visit. If you are anywhere near Greenville/Washington, let me know. I've already scoped out all the local places to eat that don't serve alcohol...
Good luck, and I hope you have an uneventful trip!