California Law Mandates Police Disclosure Of Traffic Stop Reasons

by Rafael Pena

December 31, 2023

This mandate eliminates police asking the common phrase, ‘Do you know why I pulled you over?’

As California gears up for the New Year, a series of new laws will come into effect, including one that changes the dynamics of traffic stops. Starting January 1, 2024, police officers in California will be required to inform drivers of the reason for pulling them over before initiating any questioning, as per Assembly Bill 2773 signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022, according to ABC10.

The new law aims to curb situations where minor traffic violations are used as a pretext for investigating other potential offenses. This requirement forces officers to document the stop and communicate the reason to the driver upfront, eliminating the common phrase, “Do you know why I pulled you over?”

Assembly Member Chris Holden, the bill’s author, emphasized the importance of equity and accountability during a 2022 hearing, stating, “I believe that the confrontation between law enforcement and the public begins because people of color are being asked to surrender their civil rights and they do not even know why they are being stopped. But they are forced to comply.”

While the law is seen as a step toward accountability, some critics argue that it may not be a significant game-changer. Community activist Berry Accius acknowledges the law’s impact but expresses concerns about its effectiveness, stating, “Tiny steps in the right direction, but what is the direction? Because there are too many gray areas. How am I going to be able to dispute that this officer was pulling me over illegally?”

The legislation makes an exception, allowing California police to withhold the reason for a stop if it is deemed necessary to protect life or property from an imminent threat.

Community activist Accius points out that while the law addresses a part of the issue, there is still room for bias during traffic stops, emphasizing the need for more specific laws to tackle this concern.

Sacramento area law enforcement agencies claim they have already incorporated the law into their training. A spokesperson from the Sacramento Police Department stated, “We believe in providing great customer service, and that is why we have implemented this into our academy and department training.”

However, the California State Sheriff’s Association, in a 2022 hearing, deemed the law strict, arguing that it prohibits officers from asking questions or making requests before disclosing the reason for the stop. As these changes come into effect, California anticipates increased transparency and accountability in law enforcement interactions with the public.

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