The California Senate passed a bill restricting law enforcement from conducting traffic stops for minor infractions, such as a broken headlight, expired registration or permit. The rule would only allow officers to stop a driver if they have an additional reason to do so:
This bill would prohibit a peace officer from stopping or detaining the operator of a motor vehicle or bicycle for a low-level infraction, as defined, unless a separate, independent basis for a stop exists.
20230SB50_96 by Verónica Silveri
Proponents of the law claim that traffic stops for minor infractions are "unnecessary" and are often "racially biased" and "disproportionately" affect communities of color. The author of the bill, Senator Steven Bradford stated:
The data clearly backs up the need for this legislation. Black Californians are far more likely to be targeted by police. Passing SB 50 will also help to reduce the risk of harm to law enforcement officers by limiting the need for one of the most dangerous elements of their job.
Arguments for and against the bill
The project is supported by Catalyst California, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, Prosecutors Alliance of California and Black Power Network. Prosecutors Alliance of California founder and executive director Cristine DeBerry stated:
Pulling people over for petty violations causes fear, humiliation, and distrust in law enforcement and the criminal legal system more broadly. It can also lead to deadly consequences without providing any added safety benefit.
The rule is strongly opposed by district attorneys and law enforcement agencies. The California District Attorneys Association stated:
The bill jeopardizes public safety, undermines the rule of law and reduces accountability for low-level offenses.
Republicans also oppose the legislation moving forward. Senator Kelly Seyarto commented that minor traffic stops are necessary because they can result in solving major crimes:
A lot of times police will find bad people. Like in Riverside when they got the notorious serial killer William Suff. He was actually pulled over for a taillight violation and subsequently they figured out who he was and arrested him.
