Knollenberg Co-Sponsors Bill Aimed At Safer Traffic Stops

Sen. Marty Knollenberg, R-Troy is co-sponsoring a bill with Sen. Vincent Gregory, D-Madison Heights that would require the Secretary of State to give drivers under 25 a pamphlet informing them of good traffic stop etiquette. The drivers would receive the pamphlet when they apply for drivers licenses or license renewal, according to Knollenberg. The bill also requires police to give anyone they stop a business card.

The law isn’t just aimed at informing motorists. Knollenberg and Gregory also include provisions in the bill requiring police officers to give anyone they stop in traffic a business card with information on it about where motorists may lodge any complaints. The legislation is designed to create better exchanges between police and the motorists they stop.

“Traffic stops are stressful for drivers of all levels, but even more so for inexperienced drivers,” Knollenberg said in a release. “A consistent curriculum including instructions for expected behavior during a traffic stop can help reduce the anxiety level for both drivers and police as well as lessen the risk of minor misunderstandings becoming something more serious,” he added.

The provisions are contained in two senate bills, Bills 805 and 807, which were referred to the Senate’s transportation committee for review.

Photo via Marty Knollenberg.