Traffic Law and Enforcement Flashcards

How long may an officer extend a traffic stop without additional reasonable suspicion?

Answer: Only the time needed to complete the stop's mission

Rodriguez v. United States holds a stop may last only as long as needed to address the traffic mission.

What must occur before a K-9 sniff during a routine traffic stop is lawful if it prolongs the stop?

Answer: Independent reasonable suspicion of drug activity

Prolonging a stop for a dog sniff requires independent reasonable suspicion per Rodriguez.

Which of the following is a primary seat belt enforcement provision?

Answer: Officers may stop and cite solely for a seat belt violation

Primary enforcement allows an officer to stop a vehicle solely for a seat belt violation.

What is the typical legal requirement when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights (Move Over law)?

Answer: Move over a lane or slow down

Move Over laws require drivers to change lanes away from or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles.

A vehicle fails to stop for an officer's lights and siren. This is most accurately charged as what?

Answer: Fleeing or eluding

Refusing to stop for a marked patrol vehicle's signals constitutes fleeing or eluding.

Under the plain view doctrine during a traffic stop, an officer may seize an item if what is true?

Answer: The officer is lawfully positioned and the item's incriminating nature is immediately apparent

Plain view seizure requires lawful presence and the immediately apparent incriminating nature of the item.

What is the general rule for searching a vehicle incident to a recent occupant's arrest under Arizona v. Gant?

Answer: Allowed only if the arrestee could access the vehicle or evidence of the arrest crime may be found

Gant limits search incident to arrest to reaching distance or evidence of the offense of arrest.