Thanks for the response. Generally, when the officer approaches your vehicle, he will do it apprehensively, coming no closer then the center post, or where the front and back window meet, so it is hard to see him without turning way around. ItÂ’s much easier to catch him in your rearview mirror and not distract him while he clears your back seat visually, making his job easier. Once you turn and start talking, you have taken his attention away. Once he visually sees no threat, back seat clear, hands in plain sight, he may approach your driver side window, but still slightly back, keeping his firearm out of reach. By the time he is at your window, he will have already asked you if you know why you are being stopped. At that time you should make eye contact, and answer truthfully and honestly, because like you said, it is your right as a citizen. By asking you this question, it gives him an opportunity to evaluate your speech and see your eyes, Whatever your answer is, he will at that time tell you why he pulled you over. At this time, he will ask for your license, registration and insurance card, or give you a warning, and you may be on your way. If you receive a ticket, this is not the time to argue, be polite and take it. You will have plenty of time in court to state your case to the judge.
Officer safety is a critical problem, when people cry police brutality. For your safety it is important that they feel safe. You may look at something as an inconvenience, like lights in your eyes, but everything they do is for a reason. And by the way, any good citizen, will consider their own safety, as well as officer safety while interacting.