Which item is part of the three steps of conducting a traffic stop?

• A. Approach
• B. Detain
• C. Observe
• D. Terminate

Answer: (C)

In a traffic stop, the sequence centers on safety and information gathering. The middle phase is Observe, where you actively scan the scene: watch the driver’s demeanor and movements, check that hands are visible, monitor for any sudden actions, and verify information like license and registration while maintaining a safe stance. This observation period is what determines your next step—whether to detain, issue a citation or warning, or release.

Approach is the contact phase where you stop and speak with the driver, and Terminate is how you conclude the encounter. Detain is a potential outcome based on what you observe, not the act of gathering information itself. So Observe best fits as the part of the three-step process that involves assessing the situation during the stop.