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North Carolina driving lesson · General Driving Rules

When you're stopped by law enforcement

A 3-minute lesson from the North Carolina course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
General Driving Rules
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
26, 27

Being pulled over is stressful. Knowing what to expect and what to do keeps you, your passengers and the officer safe. The officer turns on blue lights and/or a siren, notes your plate, and looks for a safe place for the stop.

As the officer signals you to stop:

  • Stay calm, turn on your signal and pull to the right, off the travel lanes, where it's safe
  • No safe spot yet? Turn on 4-way flashers, slow by about 10 mph, and drive to the nearest safe area
  • Unsure an unmarked car is real police? You may call 9-1-1 before pulling over to verify
Handbook p. 26 ↗

Once stopped:

  • Put the car in Park, roll down the window, turn off the engine, silence devices
  • Everyone stays seated; don't remove your seat belt unless asked
  • Both hands on the wheel; back-seat passengers put hands on the front seat back
  • At night, turn on your interior lights
  • Don't search the glove box or under seats unless the officer asks
  • Don't exit or let passengers exit unless instructed
Handbook p. 27 ↗

Know the rule

Under state law you must identify yourself and provide your driver license and vehicle registration. After that, you may choose whether to answer more questions.

Handbook p. 27 ↗

Know the rule

Any weapon must be in plain view or securely locked away unless you have the proper permit. If you or a passenger has a concealed weapon permit and a weapon is in the vehicle, you must tell the officer. Don't reach for it.

Handbook p. 27 ↗

Know the rule

An officer not in uniform will show credentials, or you may ask to see them.

Handbook p. 27 ↗

Know the rule

Don't talk on a cell phone while dealing with the officer; the officer will say whether you may answer a call.

Handbook p. 27 ↗

Know the rule

Signing a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt. If you disagree, don't argue; you can contest it in court.

Handbook p. 27 ↗

Class 2 misdemeanor

The offense of resisting, delaying or obstructing a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop (N.C.G.S. §14-223).

Handbook p. 27 ↗

Know the rule

If you think the officer acted inappropriately, document it and report it to the officer's agency promptly. The officer's name and agency appear on the ticket.

Handbook p. 27 ↗

Put it into practice

Blue lights appear behind you on a narrow bridge with no shoulder. Turn on your flashers, slow by about 10 mph so the officer knows you've seen them, and pull over at the first safe spot past the bridge.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What should you do first after safely stopping for a traffic stop?
  1. Exit the vehicle immediately to speak with the officer
  2. Park, lower the window, and turn off the engine
  3. Reach into the glove box for your documents right away
  4. Keep the engine running and radio on

Answer: Park, lower the window, and turn off the engine

After stopping, place the vehicle in park, roll down the window, turn off the engine, and silence devices.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
What is the legal classification for resisting, delaying, or obstructing a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop?
  1. A class A felony
  2. A civil infraction only
  3. A class 2 misdemeanor
  4. A class 1 misdemeanor

Answer: A class 2 misdemeanor

Resisting, delaying, or obstructing an officer during a traffic stop is a class 2 misdemeanor under N.C.G.S. §14-223.

Handbook p. 27 ↗
If you have a concealed weapon permit and a weapon is in the vehicle during a traffic stop, what must you do?
  1. Say nothing unless asked directly
  2. Immediately hand the weapon to the officer
  3. Remove the weapon and place it on the dashboard
  4. Inform the officer of that fact

Answer: Inform the officer of that fact

If you or a passenger have a concealed weapon permit and a weapon is in the vehicle, you must inform the officer.

Handbook p. 27 ↗
What should you do at night to help an officer see inside your vehicle during a traffic stop?
  1. Turn on your interior lights
  2. Turn off all lights inside and outside the vehicle
  3. Turn on your high beams
  4. Hold a flashlight out the window

Answer: Turn on your interior lights

If it is nighttime, turn on your interior lights as soon as you stop to help the officer see inside your vehicle.

Handbook p. 27 ↗
If you are unsure whether an unmarked car stopping you is driven by an actual law enforcement officer, what may you do?
  1. Drive away at normal speed and ignore it
  2. Call 911 before pulling over to verify
  3. Stop immediately and exit your vehicle
  4. Drive to the nearest police station first

Answer: Call 911 before pulling over to verify

You may call 911 before pulling over to verify that an actual law enforcement officer is conducting the stop.

Handbook p. 26 ↗
Where should any weapon be kept in a vehicle during a traffic stop, absent a concealed-carry permit?
  1. Anywhere within the driver's immediate reach
  2. Hidden under the driver's seat
  3. In a jacket pocket
  4. In plain view or securely locked away

Answer: In plain view or securely locked away

Under state law, any weapon should be in plain view or securely locked away, unless the occupant has the proper permit.

Handbook p. 27 ↗
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