Traffic Stops and Enforcement Flashcards

When an officer activates emergency lights to stop a vehicle and the driver does not immediately pull over, the officer should:

Answer: Follow department pursuit policy, continue radio communication, and monitor the vehicle's speed

Failure to yield situations should be handled per department pursuit policy, with continuous communication with dispatch and a supervisor to authorize pursuit escalation.

During a traffic stop, the officer requests the driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. The driver produces the license but cannot find the registration or insurance. The officer should:

Answer: Run the license and vehicle registration check through dispatch to verify current status

The officer should run the license and vehicle registration through dispatch — registration and insurance can be verified electronically, and the check may reveal outstanding warrants or other issues.

Which field sobriety test (FST) is specifically designed to test eye movement abnormalities caused by alcohol or drug impairment?

Answer: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test

The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test measures involuntary eye jerking (nystagmus) that is exaggerated by alcohol and certain drugs affecting the central nervous system.

An officer stops a driver for speeding and notices an open container of alcohol in the cup holder. The officer should:

Answer: Investigate further for DUI — conduct field sobriety tests, obtain PBT, and assess the driver

An open container provides reasonable suspicion to investigate DUI. The officer should conduct SFSTs, use a preliminary breath test if available, and gather facts before making an arrest decision.

A properly performed traffic stop approach includes which of the following safety steps?

Answer: Activating emergency lights, parking behind the stopped vehicle at an offset angle, and approaching cautiously

Safe traffic stop approach includes: emergency lights on, patrol unit positioned offset and behind the stopped vehicle, and a cautious approach — giving the officer cover and visibility of the vehicle interior.

Under what circumstances may an officer conduct a search of a vehicle during a traffic stop?

Answer: With consent, probable cause, lawful arrest, or exigent circumstances

Vehicle searches during traffic stops are lawful only under established exceptions: consent, probable cause, search incident to lawful arrest, or exigent circumstances.