What authority does an officer have in stopping a vehicle for suspected OWI?

An officer can stop a vehicle for suspected Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) based on reasonable suspicion alone. This means that if the officer has specific and articulable facts to suggest that a driver may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they can initiate a stop to investigate further.

Reasonable suspicion is a lower standard than probable cause, allowing officers to act based on their observations, behavior of the driver, or other evidence that gives rise to a suspicion that a crime may be occurring. For instance, erratic driving, weaving between lanes, or other signs of impairment can give an officer reasonable suspicion to make a stop without needing to witness a specific traffic infraction.

This authority is crucial for law enforcement as it allows for proactive measures to prevent potential accidents and uphold public safety. In contrast, the other options either impose unnecessary requirements or misunderstand the standards for initiating a stop related to OWI enforcement.