carabuser; technically, it wasn't an illegal search. Police can search if they suspect anything illegal. You are required to show license, ins., and reg. when asked for it at a stop, because they are a requirement for you to be driving on the road. In some states, by refusing to show ID, he could have been arrested, the car impounded, and searched. At minimum, you can be detained until your identity is determined in any state, even to the point of fingerprinting on site.
From the ACLU website;
"IF YOU ARE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR
Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible. Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way and place your hands on the wheel.
Upon request, show police your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance.
If an officer or immigration agent asks to look inside your car, you can refuse to consent to the search. But if police believe your car contains evidence of a crime, your car can be searched without your consent."
RCW 46.61.020
Refusal to give information to or cooperate with officer — Penalty.
(1) It is unlawful for any person while operating or in charge of any vehicle to refuse when requested by a police officer to give his or her name and address and the name and address of the owner of such vehicle, or for such person to give a false name and address, and it is likewise unlawful for any such person to refuse or neglect to stop when signaled to stop by any police officer or to refuse upon demand of such police officer to produce his or her certificate of license registration of such vehicle, his or her insurance identification card, or his or her vehicle driver’s license or to refuse to permit such officer to take any such license, card, or certificate for the purpose of examination thereof or to refuse to permit the examination of any equipment of such vehicle or the weighing of such vehicle or to refuse or neglect to produce the certificate of license registration of such vehicle, insurance card, or his or her vehicle driver’s license when requested by any court. Any police officer shall on request produce evidence of his or her authorization as such.”
In short, try not to be a jackass when stopped. (not you personally carabuser)
Before your criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you do criticize them, you're a mile away and have their shoes.