What are some reasons an officer would perform a traffic stop?

• A. They are bored
• B. They observed a traffic offense and they are responding to a call and see a vehicle leave the offense location that matches the description of the suspect vehicle
• C. They are following someone to run a background check
• D. They want to write a speeding ticket

Answer: (B)

Traffic stops are used to enforce laws and keep people safe. The strongest reason to stop a vehicle is that the officer observed a traffic violation, or, while responding to a call, sees a vehicle leaving the offense location that matches the description of a suspect vehicle. In this scenario, the officer is acting on a legitimate lead from the offense—identifying a vehicle that fits the description—so stopping it allows for investigation and possible arrest. Stops shouldn’t come from boredom, nor should they be done to follow someone to run a background check or simply to write a ticket.