48 Chapter 4 — Your Driving • 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. • 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. • 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.  • 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. • 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 exit the vehicle  or allow any passengers to exit the vehicle unless  instructed to do so by the officer.  • 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.  • 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.  • 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 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. • 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.