Which type of checkpoint requires only reasonable suspicion rather than probable cause?

The correct type of checkpoint that requires only reasonable suspicion rather than probable cause is related to immigration enforcement. At immigration checkpoints, the Border Patrol is permitted to stop vehicles based on reasonable suspicion of unlawful activity, specifically regarding immigration violations. This is in line with legal standards that allow for brief stops by law enforcement under certain circumstances without the need for a full probable cause that would be required in a more invasive search.

In contrast, checkpoints focused on criminal or other law enforcement activities typically necessitate higher standards, such as probable cause, to justify stops. This ensures that law enforcement actions align with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. Traffic checkpoints may operate under different frameworks depending on the laws of the jurisdiction, but they often require only a minimal level of suspicion for routine checks for safety compliance or registration. Customs checkpoints primarily deal with the interception of goods and people at borders, generally requiring lawful authority tied to customs regulations, which may differ from immigration enforcement parameters.