After detecting a fresh odor of alcohol on appellant William Patterson's breath, the trooper suspected that appellants had been drinking in their van. The trooper searched the van and found a cooler containing several beer cans, including two open cans. Inside a duffel bag that had been partially covering the cooler, the trooper found a loaded 9-millimeter Ruger handgun. Appellants challenge their convictions of open bottle and firearm violations, contending that the stop and search of their van was unlawful. Because we conclude that both the stop and the search were proper, we affirm.
Appellants contend that the traffic stop of their van was unlawful.
An officer may stop a motor vehicle if the officer has a reasonable articulable suspicion of criminal activity or a motor vehicle violation. An officer's observation of any traffic law violation, however insignificant, is an objective basis for stopping a motor vehicle. Here, the trooper's observation of a traffic violation provided an objective basis for stopping appellants' vehicle. The trooper saw a large, bucket-like object that was six inches in diameter hanging from appellants' rear view mirror. That object violates Minn. Stat.