To stop a vehicle for DWI, which standard must be satisfied?

• A. Reasonable suspicion
• B. Probable cause
• C. A warrant
• D. A confession

Answer: (A)

Stopping a vehicle for a DWI is allowed when an officer has reasonable suspicion that a crime is afoot. This means the officer must have specific, articulable facts or observations suggesting the driver is involved in illegal activity, such as erratic driving, swerving, speeding, the odor of alcohol, slurred speech, or statements indicating drinking. This standard is lower than probable cause and is enough to briefly stop and investigate, even without a warrant.

Probable cause is required to make an arrest or to conduct certain searches, not to initiate a traffic stop. A warrant is not needed to stop a moving vehicle. A confession comes into play only after the stop and investigation have begun; it isn’t the basis for making the stop itself.