Unveiling the Inequities of Pretextual Traffic Stops: Our call To Ban Pretextual Traffic Stops

Picture this: You're cruising through Chicago, minding your own business, when suddenly, you see those flashing lights in your rearview mirror. It's a routine traffic stop—or so you think. But what if I told you that these stops aren't as innocent as they seem? What if I told you they're part of a bigger problem that unfairly targets people of color?

Let's break it down. These traffic stops, they're not just about making sure you're following the rules of the road. We found that in 2021, very few traffic stops were initiated due to speeding (1.7%), reckless driving or DUI (0.19%).  Instead, the two most common excuses to pull someone over are equipment violations (39%), and failure to have valid or expired registration tags (22.9%). They're often used as an excuse for cops to dig deeper, especially if you're Black or Brown. Studies show that folks like us are way more likely to get pulled over, searched, and even treated with violence during these stops compared to white folks. It's like the system's rigged against us from the get-go.

And it's not just about what happens during the stop. It's about the fear and mistrust it leaves behind. When you're scared that a simple traffic violation could turn into something way worse, it undermines your sense of safety and security in your own community.  In 2023, we partnered with UIC, LCLC, and the Center on Halsted, to talk to community members in the South and West sides of Chicago to hear their experiences getting pulled over by the Chicago Police Department.  Community members were clear: They expressed frustration at the responsibility placed on residents to be aware of their rights during police stops. They called for increased accountability for officers and emphasized the need for better transparency in law enforcement procedures

Earlier this month, we saw the moments leading to the killing of Dexter Reed. He was pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. A special tactical team of police officers initiated the stop and escalated the situation that resulted in the police firing over 90 rounds, killing Dexter Reed.

But here's the thing: We don't have to accept this as just the way things are. We can demand change. Instead of pouring all our resources into policing and punishment, why not invest in solutions that actually make our roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, public transit, and drivers?  As founding members of the Free2Move coalition, we are calling on for the end of pretextual stops, limit stops for low-level offenses, and ending suspicionless consent searches

Imagine if we had programs run by people who know and care about our neighborhoods, helping us resolve issues without getting the cops involved unless absolutely necessary. Think about community-based traffic safety initiatives or restorative justice programs that focus on healing instead of punishment. That's the kind of world I want to live in—one where we look out for each other instead of relying on the cops to swoop in and solve every problem.

And we can't forget about holding law enforcement accountable. It's time for real reforms that address the racial bias baked into the system. We already have better training, and several layers of civilian oversight, now we need to rethink the whole role of police in our lives.

So, yeah, those traffic stops might seem like no big deal at first glance. But when you peel back the layers, you see they're just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. By banning pretextual stops, we can start to dismantle the systems of oppression that allow these injustices to occur. We can work towards creating a safer, fairer society where everyone can travel freely without fear of discrimination or violence. It's time to put an end to the senseless tragedies that result from these unnecessary and unjust practices.