Reasonable suspicion for traffic stops requires that law enforcement / police officers have specific, articulable facts that suggest the possibility of criminal activity. These facts must be pertinent and directly related to the circumstances surrounding the stop. It is essential to recognize that the standard for reasonable suspicion is less stringent in both evidentiary quantity and quality compared to the criteria needed to establish probable cause.

Indicators of Reasonable Suspicion

Traffic Violations:

The common violations / offenses that may lead to a traffic stop, including speeding (as measured by radar, pacing, timing, lidar, or laser methods), illegal turns, failure to obey traffic control devices (such as signs and signals), and issues related to vehicle equipment, such as malfunctioning headlights and taillights, or the use of unauthorized or off-road equipment like oversize brush bars and high-powered LED lights (both front and rear), multicolored LED's, and under-wheel well LED's.

Pacing Procedures or Set-up

Police have a initial pace point (1) and a final point (2) in which they will start and stop their pacing method of the target vehicle.

Erratic Driving:

Assess behaviors that may suggest potential impairment, including swerving or sudden stops.

Reasonable Suspicion Expert:

An expert / expert witness on with reasonable suspicion for traffic stops,  would focus on the root of the traffic stop, coupled  traffic violations / ticket such as speeding (radar, laser, lidar, pacing, timing), malfunctioning headlights, taillights, and/or unauthorized  / off-road equipment,  legal standards, and best practices.