What is the “Maryland Traffic Stop Bill”?
In Maryland, legislators have introduced a bill — SB 292 (also referred as part of efforts like HB 635) — that aims to change how and when police officers can stop drivers on roads.
Put simply: the bill tries to stop police from pulling over drivers just for minor or “secondary” traffic infractions. Instead, such minor violations would not be enough reason by themselves to stop a vehicle.
Also, if officers do make a stop, they would have to clearly document their reason for the stop on a police report or citation.
Why Did Maryland Propose This Bill?
Reduce Unfair or Discriminatory Stops
Studies showed that some kinds of traffic stops happen more often to certain racial or ethnic groups. The bill is motivated by a desire to reduce these “disparities.” Making minor violations secondary offenses may help — since many of these infractions are often used as pretextual reasons for traffic stops.
One research report noted that even though the number of traffic stops by some police departments declined over time, racial differences in who gets stopped remained or even got worse.
Let Police Focus on Serious Crimes
Supporters of the bill argue that police resources should go toward serious safety and crime issues, not minor vehicle code violations like broken taillights or window tint.
This law is part of a broader aim (in some counties) to improve community trust, reduce tensions, and shift toward “community policing.”
Promote Transparency and Accountability
By requiring officers to record the reason for every stop, the bill increases transparency. It also makes evidence collected during illegal stops potentially inadmissible — discouraging police from making stops without proper cause.
What does the Bill Change, Exactly?
Here are some of the key changes proposed:
- Minor infractions — such as having a defective headlight or taillight, tinted windows, expired registration, or driving in a bus lane — would be classified as secondary offenses. This means police could not stop a vehicle just for these violations.
- If during a lawful stop (for a primary reason) police notice a secondary violation, they may issue a warning rather than making a stop solely for that violation.
- All traffic stops must include documentation of the initial reason for the stop.
- If an officer violates these rules — for example, stopping a driver for a minor infraction only — evidence gathered may not be allowed in court, and the officer could face disciplinary action.
Arguments For and Against the Bill
✅ In Support
- Fairness: Helps reduce biased stops or stops used as “pretext” for other searches.
- Focus on real crime: Allows police to concentrate on serious offenses — not minor traffic code details.
- Transparency: Better records of when, why, and how traffic stops happen.
- Community trust: Reduces tension between police and minority communities worried about unfair stops.
❗ Concerns and Criticisms
- Safety concerns: Some officers argue that minor violations (like broken lights) may indicate a risk and help prevent accidents, so removing them as grounds for stops could reduce road safety.
- Loss of enforcement tools: Police may feel they lose tools to catch dangerous or reckless drivers.
- Inconsistency: If not all counties adopt similar reforms, drivers may face different rules depending on where they are in Maryland.
What Happened to the Bill (as of 2025)
- SB 292 / HB 635 was introduced during the 2025 session of the state legislature.
- The bill proposed to re-define a set of minor traffic offenses as secondary enforcement only and require documentation from officers.
- But as of now, the bill has not become law — it “died in committee.”
In other words: for now, the old rules remain. Police still can stop drivers for minor infractions as primary reasons.
Will Maryland Try Again — or is This the End?
It’s too early to say for certain. The bill’s defeat doesn’t make the idea impossible.
Advocates — including civil‑rights groups and community leaders — may try again in a future legislative session. The arguments about fairness, racial equity, and police reform remain strong.
If public support grows, lawmakers might reintroduce a revised version, perhaps with compromises (such as allowing certain stops for safety-related violations).
On the other hand, police and safety‑concerned groups have voiced resistance. Until there is major consensus, similar bills may struggle to pass.
(FAQs)
Q: What is a “secondary offense”?
A: In Maryland, a secondary offense is a traffic violation that cannot by itself justify a traffic stop. Instead, officers can only cite it after a driver has already been pulled over for a more serious, “primary” reason. Under the proposed bill, many minor infractions would be reclassified as secondary offenses.
Q: Does the bill stop all traffic stops?
A: No — it does not abolish traffic stops entirely. It only limits when police can stop a car. Stops for serious or primary violations (like speeding, drunk driving, dangerous driving) would still be allowed.
Q: What if police break the rules under the new law?
A: According to the bill, evidence gathered during a stop that violates the rules might not be allowed in court. Also, the officer could face disciplinary action.
Q: Why do some people oppose this bill?
A: Opponents argue that even minor violations can signal danger — for example, a broken taillight could mean unsafe driving or increase accident risk. Removing police power to stop for these issues may make roads less safe. Others worry it weakens law enforcement’s ability to prevent crime.
Q: Is this only for one county or the whole state?
A: The 2025 bill attempted to apply statewide to all of Maryland. But earlier, a more limited version (the STEP Act) was proposed for just one county (Montgomery County).
Final Thoughts
The “Maryland Traffic Stop Bill” reflects a growing demand for fairness, equity, and accountability in policing. Many support it as a step toward reducing unjust stops and improving trust between law enforcement and communities.
