How long is a reasonable amount of time for a traffic stop based on a traffic violation if no additional probable cause is found?

A reasonable amount of time for a traffic stop based on a traffic violation is generally considered to be around 20 minutes. This timeframe allows law enforcement officers to safely conduct necessary procedures such as verifying the driver's identity, checking for outstanding warrants, issuing a citation, or running a vehicle registration check.

In practice, officers must balance the need to address the violation with the importance of not unduly delaying the driver, especially if no additional probable cause is found during the stop. While the circumstances of each traffic stop can vary, 20 minutes is typically viewed as an appropriate length of time to complete these tasks effectively without infringing on an individual's rights or causing unreasonable inconvenience.

Longer durations, such as 30, 45, or 60 minutes, could lead to questions of the legality of the stop, as they may exceed the reasonable time necessary to process the situation and could be seen as unlawful detention if no further evidence is obtained.