What does reasonable suspicion allow an officer to do during a traffic stop?

Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that permits a law enforcement officer to briefly detain a vehicle and its occupants based on specific, articulable facts that suggest criminal activity may be afoot. This standard is less than probable cause, which is required for an arrest or a full search of a vehicle.

When an officer establishes reasonable suspicion, they can engage in limited investigative procedures, such as stopping the vehicle and asking questions of the driver and passengers. The officer must have some objective and measurable evidence or behavior that raises their suspicion, which differentiates it from a mere hunch.

The other options go beyond the scope of reasonable suspicion. Conducting a full search of the vehicle requires probable cause, which is a higher legal threshold. Arresting a driver also necessitates probable cause, as it involves taking a person into custody based on sufficient evidence of a crime. Additionally, questioning passengers without reason would not align with the legal principles of reasonable suspicion, as there has to be a basis for any inquiry made by the officer.