According to Maryland v. Wilson (1997), who may be ordered to exit the vehicle during a traffic stop?

The ruling in Maryland v. Wilson established that law enforcement officers have the authority to order both the driver and passengers of a vehicle to exit during a lawful traffic stop. This decision is rooted in the need for officer safety and the practicalities of managing potential threats. The court recognized that the risks associated with stopping a vehicle are not confined to the driver alone, as passengers could also pose a danger to the officers.

By allowing both the driver and passengers to be ordered out of the vehicle, the law provides officers with the ability to more effectively control the situation and maintain safety during the stop. This ruling emphasizes the idea that all occupants of a vehicle can be subject to orders that support the overall safety and efficiency of law enforcement operations during traffic stops.