Proposed Bill In Maryland Could Prevent Police Officers From Pulling Drivers Over For Certain Offenses

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A proposed bill in Maryland would prevent police officers in the state from pulling drivers over for certain offenses.

Senate Bill 292 would prevent police officers in the state from pulling drivers over for infractions like littering out of a car window, failing to use a turn signal, driving with a broken head- or taillight, and driving or parking in a bus lane.

The offenses would become secondary actions, meaning officers could not use those offenses as the primary reason for a traffic stop. The bill would also define illegal U-turns and an expired registration as secondary offenses.

Additionally, if an officer failed to comply with the bill’s provisions, they could face disciplinary action and any evidence gathered during that traffic stop would be inadmissible in court.

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Under the proposed bill, officers in Maryland would be required to document and follow certain procedures for all traffic stops. When initiating a traffic stop, an officer would be required to show identification and provide their name, badge number, and affiliated agency to the driver along with the reason for the stop. The officer would also have to document the reason for the stop.

Failure to comply would again result in disciplinary action, but would not exclude evidence found during the stop. The bill would also allow citizens to record a police officer’s actions as long as the citizen is acting legally and safely.

The Maryland General Assembly is expected to discuss the bill during a hearing Tuesday. If passed, it would take effect in October 2025.

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