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• You should place both hands on the steering wheel  and instruct any passengers to keep their hands  in a position that is clearly visible  to the officer at all times. Passengers in the back seat should place their hands on the back of the front seat. Keep your hands in plain view. 

• If it is nighttime, the officer may direct a spotlight at your vehicle once stopped. To assist with visibility, turn on your interior lights as soon as you stop to help the officer see inside your vehicle. 

• The officer will usually explain why he or she stopped you and may ask you questions. Under State law, you are required to identify yourself and provide your drivers license and registration for the vehicle. After establishing identification, you may choose whether or not to verbally respond to additional questions. 

• If the officer is not in uniform he or she will show you his or her law enforcement credentials or you may ask to see them. 

• If there is a firearm or other weapon in the vehicle, do not  attempt to reach for the weapon. Under state law, any weapon should be in plain view or securely locked away, unless you or your passenger(s) have the proper permit. If you or your passenger(s) have a concealed weapon permit and a weapon is in the vehicle, you or your passenger(s) must  inform the officer of that fact. 

• Do not exit the vehicle  or allow any passengers to exit the vehicle unless instructed to do so by the officer. 

• If your driver license and/or vehicle registration is not readily accessible, do not reach under the seats and do not open the glove box or other compartments and begin searching for your license or registration unless you are asked to do so by the officer. Remain calm and refrain from engaging in sudden or unnecessary movements during the traffic stop. 

• Do not talk on a cell phone while interacting with the officer during the stop. The officer has to be able to give you and your passengers detailed instructions so you will understand what is expected of you. If you receive a telephone call during the traffic stop, the officer will tell you whether or not you may answer the telephone call. 

• Listen carefully to the officer and follow his or her instructions. Give the officer your full attention. If you do not understand an instruction, calmly inform the officer that you do not understand the instruction and ask him or her to repeat or explain their instruction. 

• When the officer completes his or her interaction with you he or she may issue a warning or a traffic ticket which may include a fine. The officer will typically explain whatever action is being taken. If you have questions, respectfully ask the officer to clarify. If you disagree with the officer’s decision to issue a traffic ticket, do not prolong the contact by arguing with the officer. If you wish to contest the ticket, you will have the opportunity to explain your point of view of what happened in court. Your acceptance and signature on a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt. 

• Some traffic stops may result in an arrest. Even if you disagree with the officer, do not argue with the officer. You will have your chance to present your case in court. Resisting, delaying or obstructing a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop is a class 2 misdemeanor. N.C.G.S. §14-223. 

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