A new bill in Colorado aims to change how traffic stops are handled by police. House Bill 1243, sponsored by Democrats Rep. Mandy Lindsay and Sen. Faith Winter, would stop officers from asking drivers if they know why they were pulled over.
The details: Introduced in February 2025, the bill requires officers to inform the driver of the stop's reason unless it's unreasonable under the circumstances. Although it changes police protocol, it won't result in evidence exclusion or charge dismissal if violated.
- Rep. Lindsay and Sen. Winter want this measure to reduce the stress and adversarial nature of traffic stops.
- AAA supports the bill, highlighting that it fosters trust and reduces time at the roadside, one of the most dangerous places for both parties.
Not everyone agrees: Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly called the bill a "waste of time," stating that traffic stop protocols have evolved and similar questions aren't typically asked by his deputies. "With the number of issues our state has right now, I think there could be better use of time than this," he said, reported Colorado Politics.
What's next: The bill is set for consideration by the Colorado House Judiciary Committee. Its future will determine whether this significant change in traffic stop protocol becomes law. Sheriffs like Weekly remain skeptical, while supporters believe it can create safer interactions.