OPOTA Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Guide for Your Test

The case Maryland v. Wilson established that police officers have the authority to pull passengers out of a vehicle for their safety during a lawful traffic stop. This ruling recognizes the potential risks officers face when dealing with passengers who may be unpredictable or pose a threat. The court acknowledged the importance of officer safety and the need for a secure environment during interactions with the public.

In this context, the ruling emphasizes that while officers have a duty to uphold the law, they must also take precautionary measures to ensure their safety and the safety of others. By allowing officers to remove passengers from a vehicle, the ruling supports their ability to manage potentially dangerous situations more effectively.

The other options do not accurately represent the established legal precedents or the implications of the case. For instance, officers cannot use deadly force in all situations, nor do they have unlimited authority to perform searches without a warrant or must always notify individuals of their rights in every situation. The focus of the Maryland v. Wilson decision is specifically on the actions officers can take for safety during traffic stops.