13 Unmistakable Signs That Car Is Actually an Undercover Cop

The police constantly patrol the roads and sometimes use unmarked vehicles that can be hard to spot.

However, there are some tell-tale signs you can look for to find out if the car behind you is an unmarked police vehicle.

Many civilian cars may also have some of the same attributes, but if there are several signs, chances are it’s the long arm of the law.

It’s One Of The Police Vehicle Models Used By Your City Department

American police departments use many different car makes and models. Finding out what models your local PD is using can help you identify unmarked police cars, as most of the unmarked cars are the same make and model as the standard cruisers.

The Dodge Charger, Chevy Tahoe, and Ford Police Interceptor Utility are common models used by the police.

Consider The Car’s Age And Condition

If you’re being tailed by an old, beat-up Toyota Camry, chances are it’s not the police. Unmarked police cars are usually under three years old and in excellent condition.

Cars painted in garish colors can also be ruled out. The police most commonly use black, blue, gray, or silver sedans, SUVs, or station wagons.

Clean Car

In addition to being in great condition without any dented panels or missing bodywork, police cars tend to be exceptionally clean. Obviously, as they drive around all day, the car will become dirty during their shift, especially during winter, but it’s probably still cleaner than most cars on the road.

Granted, the police aren’t the only ones who clean their cars, but at least it’s something to look for.

Car Trim Level

Most luxury trim levels will have some sort of badging for bragging rights. These luxuries aren’t needed in most police cars, so they’ll likely drive a more basic model.

A police car usually doesn’t need chrome trim and large factory wheels. If it has matte black trim and basic wheels, it may be an unmarked police vehicle.

Hidden Markings

In some states, the police can’t enforce traffic laws using an undercover or unmarked car — it has to say Police on the side. One way they work around that is using matte, same-colored lettering on their unmarked traffic enforcement cars.

Look for vinyl letters or decals on the car’s side or rear. It may be challenging to notice matte-black vinyl on a black car, but that’s the whole point.

Sedan With Bullbars

Bullbars are a common sight on trucks and SUVs, however, most people don’t fit them to their sedans, so if you see a Dodge Charger with a set of bullbars on the front, be aware.

Of course, it can also be an old police car that’s been sold to a civilian, but we’d rather be safe than sorry. Ease off the throttle and look for other clues that it may be a cop car.

Check The License Plates

It will vary depending on the state and city you’re in, but sometimes, you can spot an unmarked police car by its license plates.

In some areas, even unmarked police cars are required to run city plates. If you see an almost new black vehicle with steel wheels, black trim pieces, bullbars, and city plates, it may be an unmarked police vehicle.

Spotlights

Not every unmarked police car will have spotlights, but it’s a very common feature, so it’s definitely worth checking.

The spotlight will most likely be located right by the mirror on the driver’s side, and the police are pretty much the only ones who’ll put a light there. Again, it can be a former police car that’s been sold to a civilian, but we wouldn’t take any chances.

Antennas

Thanks to modern technology, antennas are mostly redundant, so they’re not as common on police cars as they once were.

However, it could be an old vehicle they’ve pulled out of retirement for some special circumstances. If you can see typical police tech inside the vehicle, that’s a dead giveaway.

Driving Behavior

When not responding to a call, police officers tend to follow the traffic laws and regulations to a fault, more so than most other drivers.

Be aware if you notice a car with the characteristics we’ve already mentioned, and it’s sticking to the speed limit and using the indicators when changing lanes. Also, pay attention to what it’s doing and if it seems to follow a specific car.

Two People In The Car

Police officers in unmarked cars usually travel in pairs. If you see a suspicious car with two people in the front, ease off the gas and try to inspect it some more.

If you can’t see any markings on the exterior, try looking inside the car. If there’s a lot of tech on the dashboard, proceed with caution.

Pay Attention To The Occupants’ Behavior

Police officers in unmarked vehicles can wear a uniform or civilian clothes, so they may not be visibly identifiable as cops.

Police officers are subject to a framework regulating their activity and appearance, meaning they must look and act professionally. If they’re driving erratically and look unkempt, they’re probably not police.

The Vehicle Has Followed You For A Suspiciously Long Time

As a driver, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Check your mirrors and look for any cars that seem to follow you.

If you turn a few times, and the car is still there, it may very well be an unmarked police car, but it can also be someone with nefarious intents. If you’re positive you haven’t broken any laws, contact the police to clarify the situation.