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In North Carolina, when a law enforcement officer in uniform requests identification from a driver, the driver is required to produce their driver's license. This legal requirement is established to ensure that the officer can verify the driver's identity, driving privileges, and compliance with state laws regarding operating a motor vehicle.
The driver's license serves as the primary proof of a person's right to legally operate a vehicle on public roads. It includes essential information such as the driver’s name, address, date of birth, and a photograph, which helps in confirming the identity of the individual being stopped.
While vehicle registration and an insurance card are important documents that drivers must have when operating a vehicle, the immediate request from law enforcement primarily targets the driver's ability to present a valid driver’s license. An identification card may also serve as a form of ID, but it does not provide the same verification of driving privileges as a driver's license does.