'Terrible law': FOP Lodge 5 sues Philadelphia, city officials over Driving Equality Law

'Terrible law': FOP Lodge 5 sues Philadelphia, city officials over Driving Equity Law

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday against the city and its officials, is against the Driving Equity Law, which prohibits police officers from pulling over drivers for secondary violations to prevent racial disparities.

PHILADELPHIA - Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 is suing the city of Philadelphia and its officials over the new Driving Equality Law.

In October, the City Council passed the first-of-its-kind bill, and Mayor Jim Kenney signed it into law in November.

It bans officers from pulling over vehicles based on traffic violations that are considered "secondary violations" in an effort to prevent racial disparities in traffic incidents handled by police.

The following issues are considered secondary violations in the new law:

Vehicle not registered within sixty days of the observed infraction
Registration plate not clearly displayed, fastened, or visible
Single brake light, headlight, running light, etc. not illuminated
Minor obstructions
Bumper issues
Operation of vehicle without official certificate of inspection
Unlawful operation without evidence of emission inspection

The lawsuit from the Philadelphia Lodge #5 Fraternal Order of Police was filed on Tuesday.

FOB Lodge #5 President John McNesby said the law is dangerous. "This terrible law puts reckless drivers behind the wheel of unsafe vehicles that ultimately puts the general public in danger," he said.

McNesby had expressed concerns about the law before it was passed. In October, he told FOX 29 about the importance of traffic stops.

"These stops, they lead to bigger things, they find guns, they find drugs, it leads to bigger things," he said. "Whether you're Black, whether you're white, whether you're Asian, whether you're Hispanic, obey the law. Get behind the wheel of a legally safe car and you'll be fine."

The union also argues the law is not needed due to existing regulations. "This measure is unnecessary and invalid because the City is already protected by the existing and lawful, PA motor vehicle code. We simply ask the public the follow all traffic laws which are written to keep everyone safe," read a statement from the FOP.

City leaders who sponsored the bill say it will help put an end to traffic stops that promote discrimination and address tensions between police and communities caused by negative interactions.