My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: North Carolina
I was written a ticket for GS 20-135.2A. When I was pulled over, I was driving a large truck, and it was well after sunset. After I parked, I unfastened the seat belt because I cannot access the license and registration in the glove box with it fastened; this was a mistake. When speaking with the officer, I made sure not to admit to anything, but did not deny the allegation, merely replying "I see" when he brought up the belt. The rest was idle chatter as to my address, where I was headed, whether I consumed alcohol &c i.e. nothing related to the ticket.
I am unfamiliar with actually hashing things out in court. A friend said to speak with the assistant district attorney assigned to the case, but I am not sure how to determine who that is.
Now for the laundry list:
-The defence I had in mind was that the officer could not have ascertained whether a seat belt was properly used or not because of the vehicle height and the visibility at night, and after I had stopped i.e. the vehicle was not "in forward motion", I was not required to wear the seat belt pursuant to the statue. Does this, in your opinion, hold water? Do you have in mind a better defence?
-If I were to appear in court and be found guilty, will that cost me an additional amount? Court costs are already being added to the fine, so I would think not, but one never knows.
-Finally, do you think it is worth a go to ask the ticketing officer &/or the ADA to drop the ticket?
The last ticket I had was about three, four years ago in West Virginia for a headlight.
Thank you for your input in this matter.

