According to Pennsylvania v. Mimms, under what circumstance can a driver be ordered out of a vehicle?

Prepare for the Utah Post Narcotics Dog Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ensure your qualification!

The correct answer is that a driver can be ordered out of a vehicle during a traffic stop without suspicion. The precedent set by the Supreme Court in Pennsylvania v. Mimms established that law enforcement officers have the authority to ask drivers to exit their vehicles during a lawful traffic stop for safety reasons. This decision is grounded in the belief that having drivers step out of a vehicle allows officers to mitigate potential risks associated with a traffic stop, such as the concealment of weapons.

The ruling emphasizes that the power to order someone out of their vehicle is not contingent upon the officer having any particular suspicion about the driver or their behavior at that moment; it is a procedural measure intended to enhance officer safety and public safety. This means that even in the absence of specific indications of criminal activity, officers can still exercise this discretion as part of their routine duties during traffic enforcement.

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