Under what condition can a passenger be required to provide their identity?

A passenger in a vehicle can be required to provide their identity in cases involving a traffic violation because, generally, law enforcement officers need to ascertain the identity of individuals involved in a situation that poses potential legal implications. When a vehicle is stopped for a traffic violation, the officer may ask for the identification of all occupants of the vehicle, particularly if there is a suspicion of criminal activity or if the passenger may be involved in any way.

This requirement is rooted in the need to ensure public safety and enforce the law efficiently, as establishing the identities of all individuals present helps officers assess the situation, verify whether there are outstanding warrants, and prevent further violations or criminal activities.

In contrast to this context, there are limitations to when officers can demand identification from passengers—passengers are typically not required to provide their identity unless engaged in an incident that raises legal concerns, such as a traffic violation by the driver. Thus, while an officer can ask for identification, the specific legal foundation for requiring it comes into play during a traffic stop related to a violation.