Study: Minorities get more traffic tickets in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — A new study shows a driver's race continues to play a role in the outcome of traffic stops in Illinois.

Minority drivers are more likely to get tickets after being pulled over than white drivers are. They're also more likely to have their vehicles searched, although police more often find illegal material in cars driven by white people.

The findings are from a review of virtually all Illinois traffic stops in 2010. The study was conducted for the state Transportation Department.

The American Civil Liberties Union said Wednesday that the new figures support its claim that minorities are treated unfairly by the Illinois State Police when it comes to searching vehicles. The state police have denied any misconduct.

The overall number of traffics stops fell by 4 percent last year.