What is "reasonable suspicion" in terms of DUI stops?

Reasonable suspicion refers to a level of suspicion based on specific and articulable facts that leads law enforcement officers to believe that a driver may be impaired or involved in criminal activity, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This concept is grounded in the idea that officers, trained to recognize signs of impairment, can observe behavior or conditions that warrant further investigation.

In the context of DUI stops, reasonable suspicion can arise from various observable factors, such as erratic driving patterns, the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, or other indicators that suggest impairment. This standard is less stringent than "probable cause," which is needed for an arrest, but it is more than just a vague hunch.

This concept sets the legal framework for officers to initiate a stop and investigate further. If reasonable suspicion is established, it grants the officer the authority to pull a vehicle over for a DUI evaluation. Thus, this answer encapsulates the essential meaning of reasonable suspicion in DUI traffic stops, providing a critical understanding necessary for addressing DUI situations effectively.