Sunrise
Ultimate Member
Bill 12-23 Legislative Text: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/Resources/Files/agenda/col/2023/20230228/20230228_2B.pdf
Proposed bill bars Montgomery Co. Police from pulling over drivers for certain violations
Bill 12-23, as proposed by Councilman Will Jawando, would prohibit traffic stops by MoCo PD for the following traffic offenses under MD Vehicle Law:- Licensing and registration
- Certificate of title or insurance
- Window tinting
- Defective headlamp or taillight
- Illuminated license plate
- Minor obstructions, including, signs, posters, and other nontransparent materials on the windshields
There’s also this new officer procedure as part of the proposed bill:
When a MoCo police officer makes an initial traffic stop for a reason not prohibited under this bill: If the officer identifies as a secondary violation one of the included provisions in this bill, he/she would have to first issue a verbal or written warning for it, but the officer could then issue a citation on a second offense.
Also, this proposed bill would limit a police officer’s authority to request permission to conduct a person/vehicle search during a traffic stop, regardless of whether the person actually consents to the search.
This bill effectively renders that consent not permissible. So, the officer must instead have a reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe that a criminal offense arose during the stop to conduct a search. Violation of this provision would subject an officer to disciplinary action.
Don’t forget about that $20,000 hiring bonus….
CC: @spoon059
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