Which US Supreme Court case allowed pretextual traffic stops if an infraction is observed?

The case that established the principle allowing pretextual traffic stops when an infraction is observed is Whren v. United States. In this landmark decision, the Supreme Court analyzed the validity of a traffic stop executed by law enforcement officers who observed a minor traffic violation. The Court ruled that the subjective intentions of the officers conducting the stop are irrelevant as long as there is a legitimate traffic infraction occurring.

This case reinforced the idea that as long as officers can articulate a valid reason for the stop—such as a violation of traffic laws—they can conduct the stop regardless of any ulterior motives they may have had, such as suspicions of drug-related activities. This ruling is significant because it provides law enforcement with the ability to act on observed infractions while allowing for the possibility of investigating further if there’s reasonable suspicion based on the circumstances.

Understanding this case is crucial in the context of traffic enforcement and the legal framework that governs the actions of law enforcement in the United States. It emphasizes that traffic laws provide a legitimate basis for stopping a vehicle, even if the primary intention may extend beyond addressing that specific infraction.