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Do Cops Really Pick on Red Cars?

Written By Jean Marquit

 

One of the most common pieces of "common wisdom" circulating in the car world is that cops target red cars. Do they really? And if they do, what are some ways to make a red car less noticeable?

Do Cops Pick on Red Cars?

The general feeling is that red cars are more likely to be profiled than other color cars. This is generally because red seems to stand out - especially that "sexy" race car red. And, if the car is especially sporty, it might be that it is more likely to be assumed to be speeding and therefore more likely to be clocked with the radar gun.

Another thing to realize is that silver, white and blue cars all blend in better with the highway during daylight hours. This means that they are harder to distinguish at a distance. And, of course, black cars and other dark colored cars are harder to see at night. Unfortunately for the bright cherry red cars that are so popular for sports cars, none of these things apply. Red is noticeable whether you are out in the day time or out at night. It's just that kind of color. Your red car may be targeted because it is the most visible.

Type of car is also important. Some cars are more distinctive than others, and therefore more noticeable. Consider the Corvette or the Porsche. Any police officer is going to notice that car. Heck, anyone would notice such a car. This means that, since it stands out, it is more likely to be targeted for the sheer fact that it is obvious. However, with these distinctive high end cars, it is worth noting that any color - and not just red - is going to stand out. It's not that a cop is trying to target you, but rather a law enforcement officer can't help noticing. Nor can anyone else on the road.

Can You Make Your Red Car Less Noticeable?

It is possible to make your red car less noticeable on the road. Perhaps choose a different shade of red. There are darker shades of red that blend better with surroundings and don't stand out on the landscape quite as much. It is also possible to avoid certain things that make your red car more conspicuous. Here are some of the things that force your car to stand out even more. Maybe avoid them for your red car:

*Tinted windows.
*Fancy wheels (this obviously includes spinners).
*Decorated front license plate. This also applies to missing front license plates.
*Ground effects.
*Modifications to the car (such as spoilers).
*Decorative paint job (racing stripes, rally stripes, flames, etc.).
*Driving through a neighborhood where your car doesn't "belong."

Obey Traffic Laws

It is, of course, important to obey traffic laws no matter what kind of car you drive. But if you are more noticed in a red car, you are also more likely to be caught speeding or running a stop sign, or committing any other violation. You could even be more noticed for a parking ticket, since it is only normal for attendants and ticket writers to want to come over and admire your car. Blowing through a red light in your red car is going to make you especially noticeable. And your distinctive car will make you easier to track, since it will be memorable.

The bottom line is that any targeting of you because of your red car is likely to be unintentional. Cops don't plan to pick on drivers of red cars. You just happen to have a really hot car. But if it is more noticeable, it is also more likely to be seen when you breaking traffic rules. So, to be safe, drive carefully in your red car. You are going to get admiringly looks anyway.

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