Staff – September 7, 2024

In North Carolina, if you are pulled over by law enforcement, you are required to answer a few key questions and comply with certain legal requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you must do:

1. Provide Identification

• Driver’s License: You must provide your driver’s license when asked.
• Vehicle Registration: You must provide your vehicle’s registration.
• Proof of Insurance: You are required to provide proof of insurance.

2. Basic Information

• While you are not obligated to answer all questions, you should provide:
  • Your name (if asked and not already on your ID).
  • Address and Date of Birth: These are typically on your driver’s license but may be asked verbally.

3. Legal Requirements for Compliance

• Pull Over Safely: You are required to pull over as soon as it is safe when signaled by an officer.
• Remain in the Vehicle: Stay inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise.
• Obey Lawful Instructions: You are required to follow reasonable and lawful instructions, such as stepping out of the vehicle if ordered.

4. Right to Silence

• Beyond providing your license, registration, and insurance, you are not required to answer further questions, such as where you are going or coming from, without an attorney present. You can politely decline to answer additional questions by stating, “I choose to remain silent.”

5. Field Sobriety Tests

• You have the right to refuse field sobriety tests, although refusal may have legal consequences, such as the suspension of your license under North Carolina’s implied consent laws if the officer suspects you of driving under the influence.

Summary of Required Responses:

• Present driver’s license, registration, and insurance.
• Provide basic identification information like your name.
• Comply with lawful instructions but remember you can exercise your right to remain silent beyond these requirements.