Beginning Next Year, California Police Officers Prohibited from Asking Drivers, ‘Do You Know Why I Am Pulling You Over?’

California has a new law that favors civilians. Starting Jan. 1, police officers have to interact in a new way during traffic stops.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB-2773, which will soon require officers to state the purpose of their interaction before asking other questions. According to the new legislation, law enforcement officers are prohibited from starting their conversations with the question, “Do you know why I pulled you over?” However, there is one exception to this rule. They may use this opening line if it is necessary to protect life or property from an imminent threat.”

The new bill also instructs officers against asking someone their race, ethnicity or gender during a stop, KRCR News reported. These factors “shall be based on the observation and perception” of the officer instead. At no point is an officer to go against the new bill.

Citizens will also be notified via the state’s driver’s handbook that they maintain the right to “address the extent and limitations of a peace officer’s authority during a traffic stop and the legal rights of drivers and passengers, including, but not limited to, the right to file complaints against a peace officer.”

The new bill aims to reduce pretextual stops by prohibiting officers from stopping a vehicle or pedestrian for a minor charge, which may lead to a search for evidence of a larger crime. The lawmakers expect that this legislation will deescalate police interactions that could result in confrontations.

State Sen. Steven Bradford, the author of the bill, says the bill is necessary “to promote equity and accountability in communities across California.”

“AB2773 brings transparency to service of protecting our public,” Sen. Bradford added.