What rule does Maryland vs. Wilson establish regarding traffic stops?

The case of Maryland vs. Wilson establishes that both drivers and passengers may be ordered to exit a vehicle during a traffic stop. This ruling emerged from the need to ensure officer safety and facilitate effective law enforcement during vehicle encounters. The Supreme Court determined that a police officer has the authority to ask both the driver and any passengers to exit the vehicle without needing specific suspicion of wrongdoing for each individual. This decision is grounded in the idea that officers can manage potential risks associated with traffic stops, where the presence of multiple individuals can create safety concerns.

This ruling does not require the officer to have reasonable suspicion for passengers nor limit the order to exit solely to cases involving suspected criminal activity. Instead, it provides a blanket authority to enhance the safety of the officers during such interventions.