In considering a controversial statute that many say has adversely impacted Black and Latino drivers and is akin to a form of racial profiling, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled 7-0 that traffic stops by police for non-obstructive license plate frames are pretextual and could violate individual constitutional rights.

In upholding the Appellate Division and relying on the New Jersey Constitution, all seven justices refused to adopt a “reasonable mistake of law” exception to the exclusionary rule when it comes to individual liberty.