A new proposal aims to limit police traffic stops, sparking debate over road safety and racial equity.
WBOC reports the proposed legislation seeks to curb so-called “random traffic stops” by narrowing what qualifies as a primary violation—grounds for an officer to pull over a vehicle. If passed, the bill would remove certain infractions, such as non-functioning headlights, brake lights, or tail lights, as well as illegal window tinting, driving without mirrors, driving in bus lanes, and littering, from the list of primary violations. Supporters argue the changes would address racial disparities in traffic stops, which they say disproportionately affect people of color.