On May 6, 2026, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously (14-0) to restrict pretextual traffic stops, which have been criticized for causing racial disparities in enforcement. The council directed the Board of Police Commissioners to adopt new guidelines that prohibit LAPD officers from stopping motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians for minor equipment violations unless there is a significant and imminent safety risk.

Key details of the motion include:

• Scope of Restriction: The policy targets stops based on minor infractions like broken taillights or expired registration, aiming to end the practice of using these as a pretext for broader criminal investigations.

• Data Context: A report covering April 2022 to September 2025 found that 86% of people stopped in pretextual encounters were perceived by officers as Black or Latino.

• LAPD Response: LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell has defended the stops as an essential tool against guns, gangs, and drugs, arguing that they help address reckless driving which contributes to high traffic fatalities.

• Current Status: The City Council vote does not immediately change LAPD policy; the Board of Police Commissioners must now formally adopt the new regulations.

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