What legal principle was clarified in Pennsylvania v. Mimms (1977)?

In Pennsylvania v. Mimms, the Supreme Court clarified the authority of police officers to order passengers out of a vehicle during a lawful traffic stop. This decision established that even if a police officer does not have specific reasons to suspect a passenger, they still have the authority to remove both the driver and passengers from the vehicle for safety reasons. The Court ruled that this action does not violate the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, as it serves to protect the officer’s safety and maintain orderly interactions during traffic stops.

This ruling underscores the principle that a police officer’s concern for their safety during interactions with occupants of a vehicle justifies the authority to command individuals to exit the vehicle. It emphasizes the balance between individual rights and law enforcement duties, affirming that such measures are reasonable within the scope of police authority during traffic enforcement activities.