Do Police Target People Based on the Car They Drive?
As someone who used to drive a really fast car, I know that sometimes there is some prejudice within the police force. When they see certain vehicles, they target the drivers because of past experiences or just psychology. Whatever the case may be, here are some reasons law enforcement might target people based on the car they drive.
1. Flashy Sports Cars Often Catch More Than Just Eyes
You probably assumed flashy sports cars would be one of the first things mentioned on the list. And you’re right. If you drive one of these vehicles, you know how your car turns heads. Unfortunately, that also means getting the attention of the police. High-performance cars, especially if they are in bold colors or have visible aftermarket modifications, will get more attention from law enforcement. This is because they assume these cars will be driven aggressively, even if you’re not caught in the act.
2. Older, “Beater” Cars Can Also Raise Eyebrows
On the other side of the spectrum, beat-up cars with dents, cracked windows, or expired tags are also frequently targeted. Law enforcement may associate these cars with a higher likelihood of violations such as lack of insurance, expired registration, or other infractions. Unfortunately, this kind of profiling disproportionately affects lower-income individuals who may not have the means to repair or upgrade their vehicles. While police may argue that they’re following the law, critics argue that this results in targeting vulnerable populations. It’s another example of how police profiling cars can play out unfairly.
3. The Color of Your Car May Influence Traffic Stops
Believe it or not, the color of your car could affect your chances of being pulled over. Studies and insurance data suggest that red, black, and yellow cars are more likely to be ticketed. Part of this may be psychological—brighter cars stand out more, making them easier to spot in a sea of gray and silver vehicles. But there’s also the belief that people who drive vibrant-colored cars might be more aggressive drivers, rightly or wrongly. So yes, choosing “arrest-me red” might come with unintended consequences.
4. Law Enforcement Discretion Plays a Big Role
At the core of this issue is the discretion police officers have during traffic enforcement. Police profiling cars doesn’t always come down to a strict rulebook; a lot is based on what an officer feels is suspicious or worth checking out. That means two people doing the same thing in two different vehicles could be treated completely differently. Add in variables like race, gender, and location, and the results get murkier. It’s not just about the make and model—it’s about perception and bias, conscious or not.
5. Insurance Companies Are Watching, Too
Interestingly, it’s not just the police who have opinions about your car—it’s your insurance company, too. Vehicles that are statistically more likely to be pulled over or involved in accidents tend to come with higher premiums. This creates a feedback loop: if certain cars are already more expensive to insure and more likely to be stopped, drivers are penalized twice. Some insurers even track the likelihood of traffic stops in determining risk. While it’s not the same as being stopped by law enforcement, it’s another form of profiling tied to the car you drive.
The Bigger Picture: Are We Really Focusing on the Right Drivers?
There’s no denying that police profile. They profile people. They profile certain cars. Sometimes it may not always be intentional, but there are instances where innocent drivers are bearing the brunt of their prejudices. If the goal is ultimately to have safer roads, it might be time to focus on things that really matter.
Do you think police focus more on certain types of cars during traffic stops? Drop your take below, especially if you’ve noticed a pattern with your own vehicle.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.