Lawsuit Alleges NYPD Car Stops Discriminate Against Black and Hispanic Drivers

Lawsuit claims NYPD disproportionately targets minority drivers, likening it to 'stop and frisk on wheels'

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:47pm

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A lawsuit filed in Manhattan Federal Court by the New York Civil Liberties Union and Bronx Defender Services alleges that NYPD officers too often stop Black and Hispanic drivers without justification. The suit claims that while Blacks and Hispanics make up 45% of the driving population in New York City, they accounted for 90% of arrests resulting from over 2 million traffic stops made by the NYPD since a new law went into effect in 2022 requiring officers to document every vehicle stop.

Why it matters

The lawsuit raises concerns about racial profiling and discriminatory policing practices by the NYPD, echoing past controversies over the department's use of 'stop and frisk' tactics that were ruled unconstitutional. The case could lead to reforms and increased oversight of NYPD traffic enforcement policies.

The details

The lawsuit alleges that while Blacks and Hispanics make up 22% and 23% of the driving population in New York City respectively, they were stopped at higher rates, accounting for 32% and 30% of the over 2 million traffic stops made by the NYPD since 2022. White drivers, who make up 38% of the city's drivers, were behind the wheel in only 23% of the stops. When enforcement action was taken, the racial disparities were even starker, with Blacks and Hispanics making up 90% of arrests despite their smaller share of the driving population.

  • The lawsuit was filed on January 28, 2026.
  • A city law requiring the NYPD to document all vehicle stops went into effect at the start of 2022.

The players

New York Civil Liberties Union

A civil rights organization that filed the lawsuit against the NYPD over alleged racial discrimination in traffic stops.

Bronx Defender Services

A public defender organization that joined the NYCLU in filing the lawsuit against the NYPD.

Justin Cohen

A 35-year-old Black man who is a plaintiff in the lawsuit, alleging he was illegally searched, had his car seized, and was arrested by NYPD officers during a 2023 traffic stop before being released with a dismissed speeding ticket.

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What they’re saying

“Far too many Black and Latino drivers in New York City are treated like criminals when their vehicles are searched during what should be routine traffic stops, merely because of the color of their skin.”

— Daniel Lambright, Top lawyer, New York Civil Liberties Union

“My ordeal at the hands of the NYPD adds to a long list of horrific stories about driving while Black and racial profiling. This traumatizing experience has left a lasting impact on me.”

— Justin Cohen

What’s next

The lawsuit will proceed through the federal court system, with the judge expected to rule on the NYPD's motion to dismiss the case in the coming months.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights longstanding concerns about racial bias in NYPD policing practices, particularly the department's use of traffic stops as a pretext to search minority drivers. The case could lead to increased oversight and reforms to address discriminatory enforcement, building on past efforts to curb the NYPD's controversial 'stop and frisk' program.