Vehicles: traffic stops.

Existing law authorizes specified peace officers, including agents of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, county sheriffs, and city police officers, to require a driver to stop and submit to an inspection in specified circumstances. This bill would prohibit a peace officer from initiating a motor vehicle stop for a low-level infraction, unless there is separate, independent basis to initiate the stop. The bill would define "low-level infraction" for this purpose as a violation related to vehicle registration and equipment or the operation of a bicycle, a violation pertaining to the secure fastening of a license plate to the vehicle, and a violation for lighting equipment not illuminating, as specified. The bill would exclude from "low-level infractions" vehicle registrations that have expired for more than 6 months and violations relating to commercial vehicles. By requiring a higher level of service from peace officers, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.