When may an officer perform a traffic stop?

An officer may perform a traffic stop when they have reasonable suspicion of a violation or crime because this standard ensures that the officer has a specific and articulable reason to believe that a traffic law is being violated or that a criminal act may be occurring. This concept of reasonable suspicion is crucial in maintaining the balance between law enforcement duties and individual rights, as it requires evidence or observable facts that support the suspicion rather than arbitrary or capricious decisions.

This allows officers to investigate potential illegal activities or dangerous driving behaviors while also protecting citizens from unwarranted interference. Factors that might lead to reasonable suspicion can include erratic driving, visible signs of impairment, or observing a known fugitive.

The other options do not align with the legal framework surrounding traffic stops. Officers cannot initiate a stop simply based on personal whim, at any time of the day, or solely because they are assigned to a particular area, as these could lead to abuses of power and violations of citizens' rights.