Racial bias in traffic enforcement is a serious issue that affects many communities. People of color are often stopped by police at higher rates than white drivers, even though traffic violations don't happen any more frequently in those communities. This kind of bias goes beyond just statistics; it impacts people's lives, safety, and trust in the police. It also highlights how ingrained racial bias can show up in everyday interactions with law enforcement.

What is racial bias in traffic stops?

Racial bias in traffic enforcement refers to the unfair treatment of drivers based on their race or ethnicity. This can happen in several ways:

• Disproportionate Stops: Black and Latino drivers are stopped at higher rates than white drivers, even when they are driving in the same conditions.
  
• More Frequent Searches: People of color are more likely to be searched during traffic stops, even though those searches are less likely to result in finding contraband.
  
• Excessive Use of Force: In some cases, officers use excessive force during or after a traffic stop, especially in situations involving BIPOC drivers.
  

These issues aren’t just about bad individual police officers, they’re part of a larger system of racial bias that exists in many law enforcement practices.

Why does this happen?

Racial bias in traffic enforcement is often linked to broader societal issues, including stereotypes and prejudices about certain racial groups. These biases can influence how officers make decisions in the moment, like whether they feel a driver’s behavior is "suspicious" or if they assume someone is more likely to be involved in illegal activity.

These biases are also shaped by historical and systemic racism. For example, communities of color have often been over-policed, leading to an environment where people of color are more likely to be stopped or questioned.

The impact on communities of color

For people of color, the experience of being stopped by police can be stressful, frightening, and humiliating. Constantly being pulled over for minor infractions or no reason at all can lead to a feeling of distrust toward law enforcement and the system as a whole.

This kind of policing also has long-term effects. Racial bias in traffic stops can lead to:

• Mental and Emotional Stress: Constant encounters with law enforcement can cause anxiety, fear, and frustration.
  
• Legal and Financial Consequences: Unfair or unnecessary tickets, fines, and arrests can lead to legal battles and financial burdens.
  
• Strained Community Relationships: Over-policing can create a rift between law enforcement and the communities they are supposed to protect, making it harder for people to turn to police when they need help.
  

What changes do we need?

To address racial bias in traffic enforcement, we need both systemic and cultural change within law enforcement. Here are some ways that could help:

• Bias Training: Officers need to be trained to recognize their own biases and understand how those biases can influence their actions.
  
• More Transparency: Police departments should collect and publish data on traffic stops, including the race of drivers stopped, the reasons for the stops, and the outcomes of those stops. This kind of transparency can help hold officers accountable and expose patterns of bias.
  
• Community Policing: Building trust between police officers and communities of color is crucial. When officers engage with communities outside of enforcement situations and through outreach, local events, and building relationships, there’s a greater chance of reducing tension and bias.
  
• Decriminalizing Minor Offenses: Some argue that many minor infractions (like broken tail lights or expired tags) shouldn’t even be grounds for a traffic stop in the first place, as they disproportionately lead to interactions with people of color. Shifting to less punitive approaches for these kinds of issues could reduce the number of unnecessary traffic stops.
  

What can we do?

As individuals, there are also steps we can take to help fight racial bias in traffic enforcement:

• Support Reform Efforts: Advocate for policies that address racial bias in policing and promote fairness in traffic enforcement.
  
• Educate Ourselves and Others: Understanding the issue and talking about it openly is an important part of creating change. We all need to be aware of how racial bias can show up in law enforcement and what we can do to challenge it.
  
• Stand with Affected Communities: Listen to the stories of people who have experienced racial bias in traffic stops. Amplifying their voices and supporting their calls for change is essential.
  

Final Thoughts

Racial bias in traffic enforcement is an issue that affects many communities, especially communities of color. It’s not just about unfair traffic stops, it’s about the larger system of policing and how racial bias impacts people’s lives.

By pushing for systemic changes, increasing transparency, and promoting community engagement, we can begin to address this problem. The goal isn’t just to stop biased traffic stops, it is to create a justice system that treats everyone fairly.

Check out these resources

• Eastern District of Washington (EDWA) Civil Rights webpage
• Spokane Community Against Racism (SCAR)
• Reporting Hate Bias