As of Monday, a new state law in Illinois has come into effect, prohibiting law enforcement officers from pulling over drivers solely for having items hanging on their rearview mirrors. This legislative change aims to curtail pretextual traffic stops and reduce potential racial profiling incidents.
Sponsored by state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, the law signifies a shift in enforcement practices. While it remains illegal to drive with an object obstructing the view between the driver and the windshield, officers can no longer initiate a traffic stop solely for this violation. However, if a driver is pulled over for another offense, they may still receive a ticket for having an object blocking the view.
State Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Cahokia, highlighted the civil rights aspect of the new law, asserting that it addresses concerns related to pretextual stops and aims to decrease discriminatory practices. This legislation emerged as an initiative of Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, a Democrat, who emphasized that reducing unnecessary encounters over minor infractions would contribute to public safety.
Supporters argue that the law ensures fair and unbiased traffic enforcement, minimizing the potential for violent confrontations between officers and motorists. Critics, on the other hand, express concerns about safety, suggesting that objects like masks or air fresheners hanging from rearview mirrors could pose distractions and compromise drivers’ visibility.
State Rep. Dennis Tipsword, R-Metamora, raised safety concerns, noting that even seemingly simple items like air fresheners could obstruct drivers’ views and pose risks, especially in intersections with multiple pedestrians.
In response, Democrats supporting the law contend that law enforcement has alternative tools, such as the state’s reckless driving statute, to address erratic driving behavior and ensure public safety without relying on minor violations related to items on rearview mirrors. State Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, emphasized the availability of effective tools for officers to intervene when drivers exhibit dangerous behavior on the road.