Most people don't know this, but if a cop stops you in North America... you are de facto "under arrest". The cop can use any force necessary to go about his business since you are "under arrest". HIs/her first job is to determine if you are a threat, so being uncooperative will rapidly escalate the situation. I almost got shot a few years ago in a similar, completely benign situation. Kinda like this dude.
RE: DMV: A Study in Stupidity