When can officers perform vehicle stops based on reasonable suspicion or probable cause?

Officers can perform vehicle stops based on reasonable suspicion or probable cause when they have observed a violation of the law, which aligns with option C. The justification for a stop must be rooted in specific, articulable facts that lead an officer to believe that a violation has occurred or is about to occur. This standard ensures that stops are not arbitrary and that officers can legally engage with drivers based on observable evidence or behaviors that indicate a possible offense.

For instance, if an officer witnesses a driver running a stop sign, speeding, or engaging in erratic driving, these actions constitute clear violations that grant the officer the legal grounds necessary for a traffic stop. The requirement of a specific observation prevents potential abuses of power and protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.

Other options do not present sufficient grounds for a lawful vehicle stop. Merely suspecting a driver may be violating traffic laws without any observed evidence, relying on previous offenses, or feeling uncomfortable about a vehicle's presence lacks the concrete factual basis required under the law. This highlights the importance of concrete observations in legitimate law enforcement practices regarding vehicle stops.