By Cooper Smith
A proposed New York State bill that would restrict police officers from making traffic stops for minor vehicle infractions is drawing sharp criticism from Long Island Republicans, who argue the measure could put public safety at risk and tie the hands of law enforcement.
The legislation, known as Senate Bill S3662A, was introduced by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan) and is co-sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar (D-Brooklyn). Assembly Member Al Taylor (D-Manhattan) is the primary sponsor of the Assembly version, A6631. No Long Island lawmakers have signed on in support.
The bill aims to prohibit police from stopping vehicles for certain low-level violations — such as a broken taillight, expired inspection sticker, or minor license plate issue — unless there’s an immediate safety threat. Supporters say the law would reduce racial disparities in traffic enforcement and help prevent unnecessary and sometimes dangerous encounters between police and motorists, particularly in communities of color.
But Nassau County officials and Republican lawmakers say the bill goes too far, undermining a critical tool police use to stop more serious crimes.
“If someone’s got a phony license plate, a counterfeit license plate, they’re up to no good,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said at a recent press conference.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said that while traffic stops can be dangerous for officers, they remain essential. He noted that 19 Nassau officers have died following traffic stops over the years, but such stops have also led to the arrest of violent offenders and the confiscation of illegal weapons.
The proposal has also been condemned by State Senator Steve Rhoads (R-Bellmore), who used his X (formerly Twitter) account to share his thoughts on the bill.
“Traffic stops are a critical tool for law enforcement — helping take drug dealers, kidnappers, and violent criminals off our streets.” Rhoads said. “I’ll keep fighting to make sure this reckless bill never becomes law.”
Opponents of the bill have pointed to the tragic death of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller as a painful reminder of both the danger and the necessity of routine traffic stops. Diller, 31, was shot and killed in March 2023 during a traffic stop in Queens. The man accused in his death was a repeat offender with multiple arrests.
The legislation is still under committee review in both the Senate and Assembly. As debate continues, it’s become a flashpoint in the broader conversation over police reform, public safety, and racial justice in New York.