Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 2B.0054 – Reports Required for Motor Vehicle Stops
(a) A peace officer who makes a motor vehicle stop shall report to the law enforcement agency that employs the officer information relating to the stop, including:
(1) a physical description of any individual operating the motor vehicle who is detained as a result of the stop, including:
(A) the individual’s gender; and
(B) the individual’s race or ethnicity, as stated by the individual or, if the individual does not state the individual’s race or ethnicity, as determined by the officer to the best of the officer’s ability;
(2) the initial reason for the stop;
(3) whether the officer conducted a search as a result of the stop and, if so:
(A) whether the individual detained consented to the search;
(B) the reason for the search, including whether:
(i) any contraband or other evidence was in plain view;
(ii) any probable cause or reasonable suspicion existed to perform the search; or
(iii) the search was performed because the motor vehicle was towed or because of the arrest of any individual in the motor vehicle; and
(C) whether any contraband or other evidence was discovered during the search and a description of the contraband or evidence;
(4) whether the officer made an arrest as a result of the stop or the search and, if so, a statement of:
(A) whether the arrest was based on:
(i) a violation of the Penal Code;
(ii) a violation of a traffic law or ordinance; or
(iii) an outstanding warrant; and
(B) the offense charged;
(5) the street address or approximate location of the stop;
(6) whether the officer issued a verbal or written warning or a ticket or citation as a result of the stop; and
(7) whether the officer used physical force that resulted in bodily injury during the stop.
(b) The chief administrator of a law enforcement agency, regardless of whether the administrator is elected, employed, or appointed, is responsible for auditing reports under Subsection (a) to ensure that the race or ethnicity of the individual operating the motor vehicle is reported.
Text of article effective on January 01, 2025
Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 2B.0054
- Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Probable cause: A reasonable ground for belief that the offender violated a specific law.
- Written: includes any representation of words, letters, symbols, or figures. See Texas Government Code 311.005