When you get pulled over, you know that you have to identify yourself to the police officer. You are obligated to have a driver’s license, so you will have to show the officer that you are a legal driver in North Carolina. You’ll also have to give them your insurance and registration to show that the vehicle has all of the correct paperwork.
While officers will often ask for these documents, they may also ask other questions about the traffic stop. These could include:
- Where are you heading tonight?
- Have you had anything to drink today?
- Do you know why I pulled you over?
- Do you know how fast you were driving?
But why is it that officers ask these questions? What are they trying to learn and do you even have to answer?
You have a right to remain silent
First off, the police officer is probably just trying to get you to incriminate yourself. The officer wants you to admit that you knew you were speeding or that you were intentionally drinking and driving. Maybe the officer doesn’t even have a very good reason for the traffic stop, so they are hoping you will admit to a violation when they ask if you know why they pulled you over.
As such, you may want to use your right to remain silent. You don’t have to answer questions during a traffic stop. You do have a right to legal representation during any interrogation. The officer can ask questions, but do not assume that you are obligated to answer.
Of course, refusing to answer the questions doesn’t mean you will not be arrested or given a traffic ticket. If you are, then you need to know about your legal defense options.