Are Miranda rights required during a traffic stop?

Miranda rights are designed to protect an individual's Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and are required to be read during custodial interrogations. A traffic stop, by its nature, does not typically involve the level of custody required for Miranda warnings to be applicable. During a traffic stop, an individual is not necessarily in a custodial situation; they are free to leave unless there is probable cause to arrest them.

The necessity of Miranda rights arises when a suspect is both in custody and subject to interrogation. Since a regular traffic stop does not imply that a chauffeur is under arrest or subjected to interrogation, the requirement to read Miranda rights does not apply. Therefore, stating that they are only needed while in custody and under interrogation accurately reflects the legal standards governing their use.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for law enforcement and individuals alike, as it affects the legality of evidence obtained during stops and interrogations.