Extending a stop
575 U.S. 348 (2015)
NationwideU.S. Supreme Court
Quick Rule
Do not add time to a traffic stop for an unrelated investigation without independent reasonable suspicion.
Field Reminder
Work diligently on the traffic mission. A dog sniff cannot add time merely because the delay is brief.
Important Limits
The question is whether unrelated activity adds time, even before a ticket is issued. The traffic mission includes ordinary license, registration, insurance, and warrant checks; it cannot be deliberately slowed to create extra investigative time.
Sources
Opinion sources reviewed October 4, 2026. Editorial summaries; not a comprehensive review of later decisions or Florida-specific requirements. Follow agency policy, certified training, and State Attorney guidance.