WHEREAS, each year approximately 42,000 Americans die in traffic crashes and another three million are injured; and

WHEREAS, strong traffic laws provide law enforcement officers at the state, county and local level with the tools they need to save lives, prevent injuries and reduce property damage in traffic crashes; and

WHEREAS, traffic stops regularly result in criminal arrests, drug interdiction and criminal investigations; and

WHEREAS, traffic laws have historically been primary offenses which permit officers to take appropriate enforcement action when violations are observed; and

WHEREAS, a trend is emerging to designate certain traffic laws as secondary offenses that restrict enforcement unless a motorist is stopped for a another primary violation; and

WHEREAS, studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that voluntary compliance by the motoring public is significantly lower for secondary enforcement laws; and

WHEREAS, secondary enforcement laws diminish the ability of law enforcement agencies to prevent crime and apprehend criminals on our nation’s streets and highways; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police opposes the adoption and passage of any traffic laws which provide for secondary enforcement; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances and the National Conference of State Legislatures.