Bill

Bill > HB1445


VA HB1445

Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana, exclusion of evidence.


summary

Introduced
12/21/2022
In Committee
12/21/2022
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/12/2023

Introduced Session

2023 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana; exclusion of evidence. Removes provisions prohibiting a law-enforcement officer from stopping a motor vehicle for operating (i) with an expired registration sticker prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date; (ii) with defective and unsafe equipment; (iii) without tail lights, brake lights, or a supplemental high mount stop light; (iv) without lighted headlights displayed when so required; (v) with certain tinting films, signs, posters, stickers, or decals; (vi) with objects or other equipment suspended so as to obstruct the driver's view; or (vii) with an expired inspection prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date and removes the accompanying exclusionary provisions. The bill also authorizes a law-enforcement officer to lawfully stop, search, or seize a person, place, or thing or a search warrant to be issued based solely on the odor of marijuana if such odor creates a reasonable suspicion of a violation of the law prohibiting driving while intoxicated. Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana; exclusion of evidence. Removes provisions prohibiting a law-enforcement officer from stopping a motor vehicle for operating (i) with an expired registration sticker prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date; (ii) with defective and unsafe equipment; (iii) without tail lights, brake lights, or a supplemental high mount stop light; (iv) without lighted headlights displayed when so required; (v) with certain tinting films, signs, posters, stickers, or decals; (vi) with objects or other equipment suspended so as to obstruct the driver's view; or (vii) with an expired inspection prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date and removes the accompanying exclusionary provisions. The bill also authorizes a law-enforcement officer to lawfully stop, search, or seize a person, place, or thing or a search warrant to be issued based solely on the odor of marijuana if such odor creates a reasonable suspicion of a violation of the law prohibiting driving while intoxicated.

AI Summary

This bill removes provisions prohibiting law enforcement officers from stopping vehicles for certain traffic offenses related to expired registration, defective equipment, and lack of proper lighting. The bill also authorizes officers to lawfully stop, search, or seize a person, place, or thing or obtain a search warrant based solely on the odor of marijuana if it creates a reasonable suspicion of a violation of the law prohibiting driving while intoxicated. The changes aim to give law enforcement more discretion in addressing certain traffic violations and potential impaired driving.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Incorporated by Courts of Justice (on 01/23/2023)

bill text


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