Philadelphia Becomes the First Major City to Ban Minor Traffic Stops

April 7, 2022

This year Philadelphia became the first major city in the United States to ban law enforcement from pulling drivers over for minor traffic violations. The bill, called the Driving Equality Act, was passed in October of last year with the goal to “provide for the fair and transparent administration of the traffic violations” and “prevent racial disparities,”. The Philadelphia Police Department was provided with 120 days to prepare for its implementation after Mayor Kenney signed the bill. In March, the 120 day preparation period concluded and the Achieving Driving Equality law officially came into effect. The law effectively bans police officers from conducting minor traffic stops for offenses such as a broken tail light or recently expired registration. 


The legislation was largely advanced by councilmember Isaiah Thomas, who has argued that minor traffic stops disproportionately affect and traumatize Black motorists. The Defender Association of Philadelphia found that from 2018-2019 Black drivers made up 72 percent of all recorded traffic stops, compared to just 15 percent of white drivers. 


Minor traffic stops can also serve as a pretext for police officers to search vehicles for illegal drugs or weapons. Black drivers are at a higher risk of experiencing unfair searches and seizures than white drivers. The law will prevent interactions between police and drivers from escalating after minor violations.


The law was developed in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, the Defender Association of Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Police Department. In 2021 the City Council passed the bill with a large majority. The new ordinance is not without controversy, however, with opponents of the legislation arguing that it hinders police officers from doing their job. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the local police union is suing the city over the new law. 


In an article from the Philly Tribune, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw says that, “the Driving Equality Bill introduced by Councilmember Thomas is an important step towards reducing the racial inequities identified in vehicle stops conducted in our city… the PPD is not abandoning or being prohibited from enforcing the eight secondary offenses identified; rather, the bill and executive order modify how enforcement will occur.” 


Driving Equality separates motor vehicle violations into two categories: primary and secondary violations. Eight traffic violations have been reclassified as secondary violations. Secondary violations of the Philadelphia Vehicle Code will no longer be sufficient to warrant a traffic stop.


What Traffic Violations No Longer Warrant a Police Stop?


Philadelphia drivers can no longer be pulled over for any of the eight violations: 


  • A vehicle registration expired for 60 days or less
  • A single broken brake light or tail light 
  • Visible, but misplaced registration permits
  • Visible, but unfastened or otherwise misplaced registration plates 
  • Minor bumper damage
  • Operation of vehicle without official certificate of inspection
  • Operation of vehicle without evidence of emission inspection 
  • Items hanging from and obstructing the view of the rear mirror window 


Until the pandemic, the Philadelphia Police Department carried out approximately 300,000 traffic stops annually. Now, the PPD pulls over just half that amount. Still, the new law has the potential to drastically reduce the number of traffic stops carried out in the city by hundreds of thousands. The Defender Association of Philadelphia found that 97 percent of the traffic stops executed by the Philadelphia Police Department were for minor violations.


Can I still be penalized for minor vehicle code violations? 


Yes. Motorists should know that the Driving Equality Act does not change the vehicle code, merely the enforcement of it. Drivers can still be fined or ticketed for any minor traffic violations as a secondary offense. For example, if a police officer primarily stops a driver for suspecting that the driver is under the influence, and also sees a minor vehicle code violation while conducting the stop, the driver will be held accountable for both offenses. 


You should stay up to date on all motor vehicle violations to reduce your chances of receiving a fine or ticket. 


Connect with a Philadelphia Criminal Defense Attorney Today! 


If you are facing criminal charges, you need to connect with an attorney right away. Attorney Crichton is extremely knowledgeable of the law in Philadelphia and surrounding jurisdictions. Our offices can tell you if you are facing legal challenges or if the police have violated your rights! 


Police are not allowed to search your car without reasonable suspicion. If you have been subject to an unlawful search and seizure after a minor traffic stop, you need an attorney who will advocate for you. Attorney Crichton has successfully litigated hundreds of Motion to Suppress cases in Philadelphia and surrounding counties. 


Call 267-412-2142 to discuss your defense. All case evaluations are free, personalized and 100 percent confidential.

A wooden judge 's gavel is sitting on a wooden table in front of a row of books.
April 10, 2025
Premises Liability in Philadelphia: Who’s Responsible When You’re Hurt on Unsafe Property?
A yellow caution wet floor sign is sitting on a tiled floor in a hallway.
March 6, 2025
If you've been involved in an accident or injury at a store, security camera footage can be crucial evidence. Learn why it’s important to act quickly to obtain store security footage before it’s lost, and how a premises liability attorney can help you secure this valuable resource.
Close up of lady justice on the left with a judge's gavel in the background on the right of a desk.
February 6, 2025
After an animal attack, gathering the right evidence is crucial to strengthen your case. This blog post outlines essential steps for collecting evidence following an animal attack to ensure a successful claim. Trust Crichton Injury Law to guide you through the process in Philadelphia, PA.
Two people are riding bikes down a gravel road
January 2, 2025
If you've been injured in a bicycle accident, taking immediate action is essential to protect your health and legal rights. Learn the steps after a bicycle accident to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
December 5, 2024
How Is Compensation Calculated in a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Matter?
November 7, 2024
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Philadelphia
October 4, 2024
Navigating Workers’ Compensation Claims in Pennsylvania: Essential Documents You’ll Need
September 21, 2022
Every year, thousands of Pennsylvania drivers are injured in car crashes due to drivers’ negligence. These accidents often cause major damage to vehicles and the drivers themselves. While many injuries may be obvious–like a broken arm or open wound–crashes can also cause more complex damage. These hidden injuries go undetected when our bodies’ natural instincts kick in. After an automobile accident, you may experience a rush of energy that helps you act in the moment. Many people report experiencing increased energy and reduced pain after dangerous situations like car accidents. Epinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter, is responsible for this physical reaction. You might know epinephrine more commonly as adrenaline. Release of epinephrine, or “adrenaline rushes,” protect you in an accident by activating your flight or fight response and preparing your body to act quickly. But, while adrenaline serves an important role in protecting your body, it can also make you unaware of the symptoms you are actually experiencing by increasing your pain tolerance. This decreases the symptoms experienced from your injuries for a short period of time, but they often appear later when your adrenaline wears off and your body returns to its normal state. Days after the accident, you might experience a severe headache or find that you have a limited range of motion. If you haven’t strained your body since the crash, it’s likely the accident caused these delayed symptoms. Common Hidden Injuries Sometimes, hidden injuries may not manifest for hours or even days after your accident. These injuries range from minor to serious, which is why you should always consult a doctor after an accident even if you don’t feel hurt. If left untreated, these injuries could become severe and impact your quality of life. Common hidden injuries include: Concussions or dizziness Whiplash and muscle pain Neck pain Limited range of motion Back injuries Spinal cord injuries Can I still sue, even if my injuries manifested later? In short, yes. You shouldn’t suffer because of someone else’s negligence! But, it might be harder to hold the negligent driver responsible without a clear connection between the accident and your injuries. Don’t make the mistake of declaring yourself injury-free immediately after an accident. The other driver could use this statement to deflect responsibility if your symptoms don’t manifest until much later. Instead, seek a physician and keep a journal of how and when your injuries present themselves. Medical records will be useful if you decide to take legal action, and your own account can help identify when your symptoms began. As always, the best way to protect yourself in a car accident is to prepare. Learning more about how to protect yourself in an accident will help you avoid common mistakes that could cost you your case. A car accident has caused my mental health to decline. Do I have a case? Car accidents can also have a lasting impact on you and your emotional well being. Your mental health may decline in the days or weeks following an accident. You might also experience common mental health issues, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Nearly one third of individuals in motor vehicle accidents experience PTSD in the 30 days following a crash. If you are experiencing anxiety or depression, reach out to your doctor or a certified mental health professional to help manage your symptoms. Medical records of your treatment could also provide important evidence in your case later. If a car accident caused you mental distress, you should seek treatment right away. Injured in a car accident? Receive a personalized case consultation today–free of charge! Call (267) 225-3317 or request a consultation. Car accidents are traumatic events and you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to an attorney to make your personal injury claim and advocate for you. If you were injured by a reckless or negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. You can receive compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. In situations like these, you need a personal injury attorney you can trust. Attorney Crichton has successfully reached fair settlements for his clients’ personal injury claims. Attorney Crichton will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case while you focus on recovery. Don’t wait! Call  555-555-5556  today.
August 26, 2022
Even the best drivers find themselves in the unfortunate situation of a car accident. On average, drivers will each experience three to four accidents over their lifetime. Accidents aren’t always preventable, and if you find yourself in a crash it pays off to be prepared so you can protect yourself after a car accident. Accidents can be traumatic experiences, and a crash may leave you feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. Making the right decisions in the moments after a crash can be difficult to navigate, but with knowledge and preparation you can learn to get the best possible outcome after a crash. 5 Ways to Protect Yourself After a Car Accident: Prioritize your safety first. Immediately after a car accident, pull your car over to a safe, less congested side of the road. Stay calm and move your vehicle out of traffic to reduce the risk of causing another accident or a pile-up. After you’ve reached a safer area, you can assist the other passengers in your car and collect the contact information of the other driver. If you or the other driver is injured, call for emergency medical attention right away. Always call the police. Yes, even if no one was injured! Even if the accident appears minor, law enforcement should come to the scene to document and report on the accident. Official police reports may be important later if you want to recover damages for your injuries. If an officer arrives at the scene and files a crash report, make sure to get the number of the report, the name of the officer, and the contact information of the right office to get in touch with should you want to follow up. You can also request a copy of the crash report online. Do not admit fault! For many drivers, their immediate reaction may be to apologize to the other driver. Although this apology is made in good-faith, it could be damaging later if the driver interprets your words as you admitting responsibility. Admitting responsibility could result in the loss of your case, or even serve as the foundation for the other party building a case against you! Choose your words carefully and don’t take the blame without talking with an attorney first. Gather evidence and document everything. In any accident, you should take down the information of the other driver’s name, insurance, and license plate. Without this information, it is hard to make an insurance claim with the other driver’s company. You should also be prepared to take photos and videos of the scene. Too often, law enforcement is unable to arrive at an accident scene right away. It is up to you to preserve the evidence of your car accident. Do not rely on the other driver or your own memory–the human brain is faulty, especially after a traumatic event! Use your cell phone to take photos of the accident and both your and the driver’s vehicles. You can share these photos with law enforcement and your attorney if you decide to take legal action. Consult an attorney! Car accidents can result in long-term injuries, post-traumatic stress, and undue burdens. You shouldn’t have to navigate this process alone–you need an advocate. With the help of an attorney, you can focus on recovery and have peace of mind. If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you could be entitled to compensation. Attorney Crichton is an experienced personal injury lawyer who has a long track record of successfully advocating for his clients to reach lucrative settlements or exhaust their insurance policies. Attorney Crichton will work to ensure that you have the best outcome possible and are fairly compensated for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Attorney Crichton will collect evidence, review medical records and incident reports, and negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. You can be assured your case is in good hands! Receive a Free Consult Today! Call  555-555-5556  for a free, personalized case consultation today. All personal injury cases are handled on a contingency basis. That means we don’t get paid unless we win your case!
July 21, 2022
Elderly family members are vulnerable when they can longer care for themselves. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities–when successful– should provide support, stability, and medical care for your loved ones. However, elderly individuals often face neglect, or in some instances, abuse in their nursing homes. Unfortunately, nursing home neglect and abuse is more common than one might think. COVID-19 caused more issues for nursing homes and revealed chronic issues in understaffing and facility accountability. Since the pandemic, staffing shortages have worsened. A report from Human Right Watch revealed that many residents in nursing homes show concerning symptoms such as dehydration, weight loss and mental and physical decline. The report also highlighted an uptick in nursing home deaths. While many were due to the virus, tens of thousands of nursing home deaths have been due to extreme neglect or other unexplained causes. Advocates are calling on government leaders to hold these institutions accountable. The concern is evident in Pennsylvania too. In 2020, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro took a strong stance on nursing home neglect, by opening several criminal investigations into multiple Pennsylvania Nursing Homes. In February 2021, a nursing home administrator was indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, healthcare fraud, and obstruction of a federal audit. The administrator had directed staff members to falsify staffing records to meet state and federal guidelines. In reality, the nursing home was understaffed and failed to meet the standards of care expected of facilities accepting Medicare and Medicaid. Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Negligence Elders experiencing nursing home abuse in their care facilities may exhibit both physical and emotional symptoms. Individuals may be depressed and lethargic or fearful of their nursing staff. Physical symptoms include poor hygiene, bed sores, and injuries from repeated accidents. If you notice suspicious injuries or a drastic change in a resident’s mental health, search for new facilities immediately. Suspected Elder Abuse and Taking Action The best way to prevent nursing home neglect is by being proactive. If you are placing a loved one in a nursing home, be sure to take a tour of the facility. Visiting the nursing home offers an opportunity to see staff and other residents in their day-to-day routine. A visit will help you and your loved one assess if they will be comfortable there. Unfortunately, being proactive doesn’t always prevent negligence. If you suspect that someone you know is subject to nursing home neglect, you should relocate them to a new facility as soon as possible. After relocating your loved one, request medical and treatment records from their previous facility. Official medical records will provide useful information if you choose to pursue legal action. Anyone with information on nursing home negligence or abuse is encouraged to submit a formal report to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You can file a complaint through an online form, via mail or email. Should I Speak to an Attorney If my Loved One was Abused or Neglected in Their Home? Yes. If you suspect your loved one is experiencing neglect or abuse in their facility, contact an attorney right away. An experienced attorney can help assess whether your family member was a victim of abuse and take immediate action. Nursing home negligence can lead to both civil and criminal charges. A civil lawsuit can help families and victims seek monetary recovery for the damages they experienced from an individual or institution. Compensation can cover emotional and physical suffering and more. Holding those responsible for nursing home neglect can prevent others from experiencing the same abuse. Speak with Attorney Crichton, A Philadelphia Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer Today! Attorney Crichton is an experienced Philadelphia attorney with a strong understanding of nursing home neglect cases. Active in both civil and criminal court, Attorney Crichton has unparalleled knowledge of these legal disputes and will build a formidable case. In these cases, you need an aggressive attorney who will take perpetrators of nursing home abuse and neglect head-on. Call  555-555-5556  to Receive a Free, Personalized Case Consultation! All personal injury cases are taken on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay us unless we win your case! 
More Posts
Share by: