Bill > S0144

This bill proposes significant changes to motor vehicle traffic enforcement in Vermont by establishing a "secondary enforcement" approach for certain traffic violations. Specifically, the bill creates a list of 13 motor vehicle violations that can only be enforced if a law enforcement officer has already detained a driver for another suspected violation, such as a broken taillight, failure to display registration, or operating without a valid license. The bill also restricts law enforcement's ability to conduct vehicle searches, prohibiting officers from requesting consent to search a vehicle, its operator, or passengers during a traffic stop. Additionally, officers are generally limited in questioning drivers or passengers about anything other than the original reason for the stop, with an exception allowed if the officer detects evidence establishing reasonable suspicion of an independent criminal offense. Critically, any evidence obtained through a stop or search that violates these new restrictions would be inadmissible in criminal proceedings. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to provide greater protection for drivers' rights during traffic encounters by limiting the scope of potential searches and detentions.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/S.144