Denver Police will no longer pull people over for ‘low level violations’ like failing to use a turn signal

I suppose this could be good news for you if you have the tendency of getting pulled over by the cops for minor things, like I have in the past…

The Denver Police Department (DPD) is limiting its officers from making certain low-level traffic stops and freeing them up to focus on more serious crimes.

DPD will no longer pull people over for low-level offenses, which the agency defines as “minor traffic infractions that do not pose an immediate threat to public safety.” These things include expired registration tags, driving without fully functioning headlights or taillights, or failing to use a turn signal.

Speeding, driving under the influence, running red lights or stop signs, reckless and careless driving, or being suspected of a crime like drug and firearm possession or burglary, will still warrant a stop.

You can also still be ticketed for a low-level offense if you’re pulled over for a more serious violation that presents a public safety risk.

The policy shift is intended to improve efficiency for an agency short 167 officers and seeing longer response times. It could also reduce incidents of racial profiling by police, which critics say too often lead to violence.