Blinker ruling could mean Indiana police changes

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Some authorities say Indiana police departments will have to make changes to how officers conduct traffic stops after a court threw out a marijuana possession conviction against a driver.

The state appeals court ruled that Kokomo police didn't have grounds to stop the driver simply for not turning while his turn signal was blinking.

Indiana University law professor Joel Schumm tells The Indianapolis Star it's important for officers to know what makes a valid traffic stop because otherwise evidence found can't be used in court.

Brad Banks of the Marion County prosecutor's office says instances such as the Kokomo case are rare since most traffic violations involve running stop lights and speeding.