7-601 - Traffic Stops

The purpose of this policy is to delineate the details of protocol for traffic stops.

Initiating a stop

When making a traffic law enforcement (TLE) stop, the initiating squad shall:

1. Notify the dispatcher of the location of the stop and the license number of the vehicle being stopped and initiate a call for service in accordance with P&P 7-100 Communications.
2. Request a back‑up unit or roll‑by assist from the dispatcher, if one is needed or desired.

• It is no longer a Department procedure to automatically start a roll-by or back‑up to a TLE if the stop is made by a one member (able) squad.

Conditions for Initiating a Stop

Members shall not initiate a traffic stop when the only offense is one of the following:

• Expired tabs
• An item dangling from the rearview mirror, unless that object impairs the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely
• Inoperable license plate lights

Equipment violations

Issuing a Lights On! Coupon

All MPD members conducting motor vehicle stops for equipment violations shall issue a Lights On! Coupon in Lieu of traffic citations, when available and applicable. If a Coupon is issued, then the member shall advise the driver or recipient of the location in which the repair can be made.

Applicable violations

Lights On! Coupons can be issued for the following equipment violations;

• Headlights
• Turn signals
• Rear lights
• Rear license plate lights (subject to the conditions in section [c])
• Parking lights

Coupons not available

If Lights On! Coupons are not available, but the incident meets the Lights On! Criteria, the member shall:

• Advise the driver of the equipment violation,
• Provide a Blue Card to the driver, and
• Advise the driver to bring the Blue Card to the nearest precinct to get a Lights On! Coupon.

Inoperable license plate light

1. Members may not initiate a traffic stop for an inoperable license plate light to provide the driver with a Lights On! Coupon or a Blue Card.
2. If a vehicle with an inoperable license plate light is stopped for an independent, permissible reason, members shall issue a Lights On! Coupon for the inoperable license plate light or a Blue Card if the coupon is not available, in lieu of a traffic citation.

Incidents involving other violations

Other equipment violations

If the incident does not meet the criteria of the Lights On! Program, the member shall advise the driver of the equipment violation, subject to the following exception:

1. The driver may be cited or charged by complaint in incidents where an equipment violation on a motor vehicle resulted in a motor vehicle crash or harm to another.

Non-equipment violations

1. This policy does not limit the ability of members to arrest individuals who have committed a criminal offense or have any outstanding warrants.

2. If the incident involves a non-equipment violation, the member shall still advise the driver of the equipment violation and issue a Lights On! Coupon when applicable, in addition to any other actions taken during or in relation to the stop.

Public safety risk

If the member feels the equipment issue poses an unreasonable risk to public safety, the member shall advise the driver to park the vehicle and get the issue resolved prior to driving the vehicle again.

MDC Clear-Form

Members shall complete the coupon section of the MDC Clear Form by selecting Yes, No or Not Available.

Coupon supply

Lights On! Coupons will be stocked at each precinct.

1. If no coupons are available, members shall request more coupons through their chain of command.
2. The Chief’s office will coordinate delivery of additional coupons.

Definitions

Refer to the Commonly Used Terms page for general definitions.