Driving certain cars can make you a magnet for police attention. While traffic stops can happen to anyone, some cars statistically attract more scrutiny from law enforcement due to their design, reputation, or performance capabilities.
Whether it’s a flashy sports car, a high-powered muscle car, or a heavily modified vehicle, these cars are more likely to catch a cop’s eye. In this article, we’ll dive into 13 vehicles that almost guarantee you’ll get pulled over.
Based on driving data, insurance claims, and police reports, we’ve curated this list to highlight the vehicles that are frequently associated with traffic stops. As a seasoned car enthusiast with a deep understanding of automotive trends and driver behavior, I’ll guide you through why these cars are often targeted by law enforcement.
1. Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger is one of the most recognized muscle cars on the road, but it’s also known for its high pull-over rates. With its aggressive styling, powerful engine options, and reputation as a favorite among speed enthusiasts, it’s no wonder the Charger gets a lot of attention from law enforcement. The car’s distinct exhaust note and high-performance capabilities often tempt drivers to push speed limits, making them a target for traffic stops. According to a report by Insurify, the Dodge Charger tops the list of cars with the most speeding violations, with a rate 64% higher than the national average (Insurify).
Many Dodge Chargers come equipped with a wide range of aftermarket modifications, from tinted windows to custom exhausts, which can also catch a cop’s eye. Law enforcement may be on the lookout for illegal modifications, making a Charger owner more likely to be stopped. In fact, a study by Car and Driver noted that heavily modified cars are pulled over more often than stock vehicles, and the Charger is no exception.
2. Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is another car that’s frequently associated with speeding tickets and traffic stops. This all-wheel-drive sports sedan is popular among young drivers and car enthusiasts for its rally-inspired design and performance. The WRX’s turbocharged engine and sporty aesthetic make it an easy target for police, who often associate it with aggressive driving behaviors. A study by Insure.com found that the WRX had one of the highest percentages of traffic violations among all vehicles, often due to speeding.
The WRX is also frequently modified with performance parts, which can make it stand out even more. Police officers tend to notice modifications like aftermarket exhaust systems or large spoilers, as they may violate noise ordinances or other traffic laws. According to Hagerty, drivers of modified cars, like the WRX, are often assumed to engage in risky driving behavior, leading to more frequent stops.
3. Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful engine options and aggressive design. However, this car is also known for attracting police attention, particularly when driven in bright colors like red or yellow. The Camaro’s reputation for speed and its loud exhaust note can make it a magnet for traffic stops. A study by the Highway Loss Data Institute found that the Camaro has a high incidence of speeding tickets and collisions, further solidifying its status as a cop magnet.
Many Camaro drivers opt for aftermarket upgrades, such as custom paint jobs, spoilers, and performance-enhancing modifications. These changes can draw even more attention from law enforcement officers, who may stop the car to check for compliance with local traffic laws. Road and Track reports that drivers of visually distinct cars like the Camaro are often more likely to be pulled over for minor infractions.
4. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is another iconic American car that seems to always be on a cop’s radar. Its roaring engine, sleek design, and association with street racing make it a frequent target for traffic stops. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that the Mustang is often involved in speeding-related accidents, and this has led to increased scrutiny from law enforcement officers.
Mustangs are also often seen at car meets and events where police presence is typically higher, and their involvement in publicized street racing incidents doesn’t help. Many Mustang owners install aftermarket parts like tinted windows or neon underglows, which can lead to a stop to check for compliance with local regulations. Forbes highlights that the Mustang’s visibility and cultural status often put it on the radar of law enforcement officers looking to deter reckless driving.
5. Nissan 350Z/370Z
The Nissan 350Z and 370Z are popular among car enthusiasts for their sleek design and sporty performance. However, these cars are also frequently associated with aggressive driving, which can make them a target for police. The vehicles’ sporty look and the tendency of some drivers to modify them with loud exhaust systems or aftermarket spoilers often attract attention from law enforcement. According to data from The Zebra, the Nissan 350Z has a high rate of traffic violations, including speeding and reckless driving tickets.
The 350Z and 370Z are often seen at car meets and gatherings that are closely monitored by police. Their participation in high-profile illegal street races further contributes to their reputation. Carfax notes that vehicles with a history of traffic violations or modifications, like the Nissan Z series, are more likely to be pulled over by police.
6. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo)
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, commonly known as the Evo, is a high-performance car that’s popular in the tuning community. Its turbocharged engine, all-wheel-drive system, and rally-inspired design make it a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy spirited driving. Unfortunately, this also means the Evo often finds itself on the radar of law enforcement. A study by Jalopnik revealed that the Evo has one of the highest rates of speeding tickets due to its performance capabilities and the tendency of its drivers to engage in aggressive driving behavior.
Many Evos are heavily modified, with aftermarket exhausts, lowered suspensions, and body kits, all of which can attract the attention of police officers looking for vehicles that may not comply with local regulations. According to a report by Road & Track, cars with visible modifications like the Evo are significantly more likely to be stopped by law enforcement officers to ensure compliance with noise and safety standards.
7. BMW M3
The BMW M3 is a luxury sports car known for its high performance and precision engineering. However, it also has a reputation for attracting police attention. The M3’s powerful engine and dynamic handling often encourage spirited driving, which can lead to speeding and other traffic violations. According to MotorTrend, the BMW M3 is among the top vehicles cited for speeding, especially in urban areas where traffic enforcement is high.
Police officers are often more vigilant with drivers of high-performance luxury vehicles like the M3 because they expect higher speeds and aggressive maneuvers. Furthermore, many M3s are modified with tinted windows, aftermarket wheels, or performance exhaust systems, which can draw additional scrutiny. CarBuzz notes that luxury sports cars like the M3 often come with the perception of reckless driving, leading to more frequent stops by law enforcement.
8. Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette, one of America’s most iconic sports cars, is synonymous with speed and performance. While it is a favorite among car enthusiasts, it is also a frequent target for police stops. The Corvette’s powerful V8 engine, distinctive design, and reputation for high-speed driving make it a common sight on traffic patrol radar. A study by iSeeCars found that the Corvette is one of the most ticketed vehicles in the United States, with a significant percentage of owners receiving speeding tickets.
In addition, many Corvette drivers customize their cars with loud exhausts, flashy paint jobs, or aftermarket spoilers, which can catch the eye of police officers. This tendency towards customization can result in more frequent stops to check for legal compliance. According to AutoWeek, flashy vehicles like the Corvette are more likely to be noticed by police, particularly when modifications are involved.
9. Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger is another muscle car that frequently catches the attention of law enforcement. With its retro styling, powerful engine options, and reputation for speed, the Challenger is often associated with aggressive driving. Data from the National Motorists Association shows that the Challenger is among the top vehicles cited for speeding and other traffic infractions, especially when driven in urban areas.
Many Challengers are also equipped with performance upgrades like cold air intakes, custom exhausts, and aftermarket wheels, which can make them stand out even more to police officers. Additionally, the Challenger’s association with street racing culture makes it a frequent target for stops. As reported by HotCars, cars with a reputation for street racing, like the Challenger, often face more scrutiny from law enforcement.
10. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata might not seem like a typical car to get pulled over, but its sporty look and nimble handling can make it a target, especially when driven by younger or less experienced drivers. The Miata is often seen as a “fun car,” and drivers may be more inclined to take liberties with speed limits. According to a study by AAA, sports cars like the Miata are frequently involved in minor traffic infractions, such as speeding and improper lane changes.
Many Miata owners enjoy modifying their cars with aftermarket exhausts, wheels, or suspension upgrades, which can attract police attention. Due to its small size and quick acceleration, police officers may perceive it as being driven recklessly or aggressively, particularly on winding roads. Hagerty notes that compact sports cars like the Miata are often monitored closely by law enforcement in areas known for speeding or dangerous driving conditions.
11. Audi S4
The Audi S4 is a luxury sports sedan that combines high performance with a discreet appearance. However, its powerful turbocharged engine and sporty capabilities can make it a target for law enforcement, especially when driven aggressively. The S4’s ability to reach high speeds quickly often leads to speeding tickets. According to a report by The Truth About Cars, the S4 is among the most ticketed Audi models, primarily due to its performance capabilities and the behavior of its drivers.
Many S4 owners choose to modify their cars with tinted windows, aftermarket wheels, or performance exhaust systems, all of which can catch the attention of police officers. The car’s performance reputation and luxury status also mean it is often under higher scrutiny. Forbes mentions that luxury sports sedans like the S4 are frequently targeted by law enforcement for routine checks and speeding violations.
12. Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a popular choice for drivers who want a sporty, compact car with everyday practicality. However, the GTI’s reputation for being a “hot hatch” and its turbocharged engine often encourage spirited driving, making it a frequent target for traffic stops. Data from QuoteWizard shows that the Golf GTI has one of the highest rates of speeding tickets among compact cars.
The GTI is often modified with performance parts such as upgraded suspensions, exhaust systems, and custom body kits. These modifications can attract police attention, particularly in areas where modified vehicles are more heavily monitored. As noted by Edmunds, vehicles with noticeable aftermarket modifications, like the Golf GTI, are often more likely to be stopped by police for routine checks or noise violations.
13. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S might seem like an unusual addition to this list, but its incredibly fast acceleration and frequent use of Autopilot features have brought it under increased scrutiny by law enforcement. Many Tesla drivers have been caught speeding or using the Autopilot feature inappropriately, leading to traffic stops. Data from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests that the Model S has been involved in numerous traffic stops related to speeding and unsafe driving while using driver assistance features.
The Tesla Model S’s silent electric motor can sometimes surprise law enforcement who may not hear the vehicle approaching, prompting them to stop it for unexpected maneuvers. InsideEVs reports that electric vehicles, particularly those with advanced driver assistance systems like the Model S, are increasingly being watched by police to ensure they comply with traffic laws.
