What triggers Fourth Amendment reasonableness for a traffic stop?

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A traffic stop is allowed when the officer has reasonable suspicion that the driver violated a traffic law or is involved in criminal activity. This standard sits between a hunch and probable cause and is assessed from the totality of the circumstances—the observed driving behavior, location, time, vehicle details, and any corroborating information. For example, erratic driving, speeding, running a stop sign, or matching a reported vehicle description can provide the necessary suspicion. A search warrant isn’t required to initiate the stop, and driver consent may come into play for further investigation or searches, but the initial stop itself rests on reasonable suspicion, not consent or probable cause.