What is an officer likely to check during the vehicle in motion phase?

During the vehicle in motion phase, an officer focuses primarily on identifying signs of impairment in driving. This phase involves closely observing the driver's actions, such as their speed, lane discipline, and responsiveness to traffic signals and signs. The primary goal is to assess whether the driver exhibits any behaviors that may indicate impairment due to alcohol or drugs, such as swerving, erratic speed changes, or the inability to maintain a consistent lane position.

The rationale behind this focus is that detecting impairment early can prevent potential accidents and ensure road safety. Observing driving behavior allows officers to make informed decisions about whether further intervention, such as a traffic stop, is necessary. While checking a driver’s license validity, vehicle insurance status, or passenger behavior are important aspects of overall traffic enforcement, they are typically addressed after the vehicle has been stopped or as part of a more comprehensive assessment during a traffic stop rather than being the primary focus while the vehicle is in motion.