Who Gets Pulled Over — and Who Doesn’t Make It Home: New Study Reveals Traffic Stop Inequity Across the U.S.

Traffic stops are the most common way Americans interact with law enforcement — around 32 million times every year. But a new national study from Suzuki Law Offices shows that who gets stopped — and what happens next — depends heavily on race, age, gender, and geography.

More than 1 million drivers are arrested during traffic stops each year. One in ten encounters involve the use of force. And while most stops begin with minor traffic violations, far too many escalate with devastating outcomes.

Disparities Begin at the Moment of the Stop

According to the data, enforcement is not equal:

Black drivers are 1.5× more likely to be stopped than White drivers
Latino drivers are 1.4× more likely
50% of all stopped drivers feel intimidated
25% are searched despite no resulting arrest

Even body-worn camera usage — which can cut complaints by 50% — is inconsistent nationwide.

Most critically:

Black Americans make up 38% of traffic-stop deaths but only 13% of the U.S. population

Hispanic drivers are also killed at a disproportionate rate, accounting for 28% of fatal stops despite making up 19% of drivers.

A Routine Stop Can Turn Fatal — Fast

Researchers identified 364 fatal traffic stops (2019–2025) involving individuals classified as non-violent and posing no serious threat.

The most common profile of a fatal victim:
➡ A 28-year-old Black man
➡ In Texas or California

These two states recorded the highest number of traffic-stop deaths.
Idaho, Rhode Island, D.C. and Hawaii recorded just one each.

Despite falling violent-crime rates, law enforcement violence is the highest ever recorded:

1,365 people killed by police in 2024
One death every 6.44 hours
Only 10 days in 2024 without a police killing

Traffic enforcement is a major factor in those numbers.

Age and Gender Change Everything

97% of people killed in traffic stops are male
60% are 18–35
Seniors (60+) make up just 9 deaths, a sign of dramatically different treatment based on age

Young men, especially young men of color, face the greatest danger.

Financial Penalties Also Show Inequality

More than 80% of traffic stops are for speeding or equipment issues — and the consequences depend largely on what state a driver lives in.

Minimum fines for driving 10 mph over the limit:

California — $234
Arizona — $231
Texas / Nevada — $223
New Mexico — $25 (lowest)

Most expensive fines for driving 40 mph over the limit:

Illinois — $2,500
New York — $1,150

For many low-income drivers, fines become a financial crisis that leads to further enforcement — and deeper legal system involvement.

A System That Needs Urgent Accountability

The study finds a clear pattern:

Black and Hispanic drivers are stopped more
Force is used too often — without cause
Fatal violence falls disproportionately on young Black and Hispanic men
Minor infractions can produce catastrophic outcomes

Traffic stops are meant to keep roads safe. But without national standards, transparency, and consistent de-escalation training, they can become a flashpoint for preventable deaths.

The full study urges stronger policy safeguards, including: