An officer stops a car based on a vehicle code violation.If the officer has reasonable suspicion the people in the car have weapons, the officer may:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The officer is allowed to perform a pat-down of the occupants of the car and search the passenger compartment for weapons if they have reasonable suspicion. However, a thorough search of the entire vehicle would require probable cause or a warrant. Option A is incorrect because a thorough search of the occupants and the entire vehicle is not allowed based on reasonable suspicion alone. Option B is incorrect because a pat-down of the occupants and search of the entire vehicle is too extensive for reasonable suspicion. Option D is incorrect because reasonable suspicion allows for a limited search for weapons, even without an arrest.

An Officer Stops a Car Based on a Vehicle Code