Ann Arbor Traffic Stops for Minor Offenses Drop to Zero in August

A new ‘driving equality’ policy in Ann Arbor, Michigan restricts police officers from pulling over drivers for minor offenses and has led to a drop in stops for equipment violations to zero in August, reports Ryan Stanton in M Live. 

The policy, implemented in May, comes two years after the city council approved an ordinance aimed at reducing racial disparities in traffic stops. “Under the 2023 law, unless there’s an immediate risk of harm, officers are prohibited from stopping or detaining anyone for offenses such as a cracked windshield, loud exhaust, tinted windows, an object hanging from a rearview mirror, a broken tail light or issues with registration stickers and plates.” Between 2022 and 2024, the percentage of motorists stopped for equipment violations who were Black rose from 27 percent to 35 percent. 

The new policy closes a loophole that allowed officers to stop drivers for multiple minor violations. “The chief’s new policy instructs officers to prioritize traffic stops necessary to promote public safety and to make stops in a professional, courteous, fair and impartial manner.”