State Representative John Cabello (R-Machesney Park) said a bill filed by the chairman of the Judiciary – Criminal committee, was “just outrageous.
House Bill 4603, sponsored by Chicago Democrat Justin Slaughter, would amend the Illinois Vehicle Code by prohibiting police officers from stopping a driver for minor speeding and improper lane use violations.
Slaughter’s proposal states that police could not pull over a vehicle for failing to display registration plates or stickers; operating with an expired registration sticker; failing to comply with certain vehicle lamp requirements; excessive tints and defective mirrors; an obstructed windshield or defective windshield wipers; defective bumpers; or excessive exhaust and failure to wear a seat belt.
The legislation also would bar traffic stops for speeding, except when the offense would qualify as a misdemeanor or felony — meaning up to 25 mph over the speed limit.
Cabello said the most dangerous part of the bill comes with the fact that evidence obtained from such traffic stops could not be introduced at subsequent hearings or trials, according to the original draft.
The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police says the proposal would “negatively impact traffic safety and public safety.”