Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

According to Whren v. United States (1996), what constitutes a legitimate basis for a traffic stop?

1. Speeding over the limit

2. Any traffic offense committed by a driver

3. Suspected driving under the influence

4. Unregistered vehicles only

The correct answer is: Any traffic offense committed by a driver

In Whren v. United States (1996), the Supreme Court held that any traffic violation, no matter how minor, provides law enforcement officers with a legitimate basis to conduct a traffic stop. This ruling stems from the principle that the legality of a stop is assessed based on the officer's observations of a violation rather than the underlying intent or ulterior motives of the officer for initiating the stop. Therefore, any traffic offense committed by a driver—regardless of its severity—validates the stop, as it is a clear violation of traffic laws. This establishes a broad standard for police authority to enforce traffic laws and emphasizes the importance of upholding traffic regulations for maintaining public safety.