police traffic stop

Non-police Traffic Enforcement

Traffic stops are the most common reason for interactions with police (even outnumbering 911 calls). These stops are often for low-level offenses which can escalate to more serious charges, arrest, or violence. There are also widespread racial disparities during these stops. To address this, some jurisdictions are preventing police from these low-level traffic stops or transferring traffic enforcement to unarmed, non-police units.

last updated: November 2021

1 city

Shifted all traffic enforcement from police

1 State & 6 cities

Ended low-level traffic enforcement

49 States

police conduct PReemptory stops and enforce all traffic laws

Recent Legislation

2022

Los Angeles

  • Limited pretextual stops by requiring police to articulate on their body-camera when minor traffic stops escalate into a criminal investigation

2020

Virginia

  • Ended pretextual traffic stops