Can a police officer stop and detain a motorist on reasonable suspicion that the driver has violated the law?

An officer may stop and detain a motorist on reasonable suspicion that the driver has violated the law. (People v. Wells (2006) 38 Cal.4th 1078, 1082.) Reasonable suspicion is a lesser standard than probable cause, and can arise from less reliable information than probable cause. (Id. at p. 1083.) To be reasonable, the officer's suspicion must be supported by specific, articulable facts that are reasonably consistent with criminal activity. (Ibid.) In making our determination, we examine the totality of the circumstances in each case. (Ibid.)

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