In Maryland vs Wilson, what authority do officers have during a traffic stop?

In Maryland vs Wilson, the ruling established that law enforcement officers have the authority to order passengers to exit the vehicle during a traffic stop. This is grounded in the necessity for officer safety and to maintain control of the situation. When officers are engaging with a driver, the presence of passengers could potentially pose a risk, which justifies the action of having them exit the vehicle for safety reasons.

This decision balances the needs of law enforcement to protect themselves and the public while also recognizing the importance of individual rights. It's important to note that this authority is specifically about maintaining safety and does not imply unrestricted rights to conduct other actions, such as searching the vehicle or performing extensive personal searches without probable cause or consent.