Greenville, NC asked in Civil Rights for North Carolina

Q: When stopped in my car by a cop, must I roll my window all the way down?

When asked for my license when driving, must I LITERALLY HAND OVER my license or can I show is up against the window?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: When you're pulled over by the police, it's generally recommended to roll your window down enough to communicate clearly with the officer. While there’s no law that requires you to roll your window all the way down, doing so can help avoid escalating the situation. Most officers expect to see your hands and be able to hear you clearly, which is easier if the window is at least partially down.

If the officer asks for your license, you are typically required to hand it over, not just show it through the window. Refusing to do so could be seen as non-compliance, which might lead to further issues. It's best to comply politely to keep the interaction as smooth as possible.

Remember, how you handle the situation can impact the outcome, so cooperation is usually in your best interest. It's important to know your rights, but also to be mindful of how you exercise them in these situations.

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