When purchasing a new vehicle, one factor buyers may want to consider is how likely that particular make and model is to get traffic tickets. Some cars seem to attract more attention from traffic police than others, whether due to their design, their reputation, or the drivers typically associated with them. For drivers looking to avoid traffic stops and citations, identifying the least ticketed cars can be an important part of the car buying process.
What Types of Vehicles Get Pulled Over Most Often?
Several factors can influence how often different makes and models of cars tend to get pulled over by police. Some key considerations include:
– Performance capabilities – Sports cars and muscle cars designed for speed are more likely to encourage drivers to exceed posted speed limits and drive recklessly, behaviors that attract law enforcement attention.
– Physical attributes – Distinctive vehicle designs, aftermarket modifications, tinted windows, and loud exhaust systems can draw extra scrutiny from traffic police.
– Driver demographics – Cars associated with younger drivers are often targeted more frequently, as this group statistically receives a disproportionate share of citations.
– Location and congestion – In dense urban areas with heavy traffic, violations may be more rigorously enforced than in less crowded rural or suburban regions.
– Reputation – Makes and models that have developed a reputation with law enforcement as being popular among reckless drivers may be singled out for extra attention on the roads.
What Types of Vehicles Get Pulled Over Least Often?
On the other end of the spectrum, there are certain vehicles that tend to avoid traffic stops and citations from law enforcement. Some features of cars that attract less attention from police include:
– Family-oriented designs – Minivans, small SUVs, and wagons appeal to parents and are less likely to be perceived as fast or reckless. Their higher riding positions also make them more visible.
– Luxury styling – Expensive luxury cars and SUVs may be skipped over by officers who assume only older, upscale drivers will be behind the wheel. Their refined exhaust notes and ride characteristics also avoid attracting negative attention.
– Non-performance powertrains – Mainstream sedans, small cars, and hybrids with modest 4- or 6-cylinder engines are less tempting for drivers to push to excessive speeds. Their casual driving dynamics help them avoid scrutiny.
– Subdued colors – More conservative white, silver, gray, or black paint jobs blend in better than bright reds, oranges, or yellows that stand out in traffic.
– Law-abiding ownership demographics – Large family vehicles and higher-end luxury cars tend to be owned by more mature, responsible drivers who follow traffic laws closely.
The 10 Least Ticketed Vehicles
According to data aggregated from multiple sources, these 10 vehicle models attract the fewest traffic citations from law enforcement:
| Rank | Make & Model | Tickets per 100,000 Vehicle Registrations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Equinox | 220 |
| 2 | Honda CR-V | 225 |
| 3 | Toyota RAV4 | 227 |
| 4 | Ram 1500 | 233 |
| 5 | Honda Odyssey | 235 |
| 6 | Toyota Highlander | 238 |
| 7 | Chevrolet Tahoe | 240 |
| 8 | Subaru Forester | 241 |
| 9 | GMC Yukon | 243 |
| 10 | Ford Escape | 244 |
The top 10 models are all practical mainstream cars and family-oriented SUVs or trucks from non-luxury brands. Notably absent from the list are any sports cars, supercars, or conspicuously flashy vehicles.
Key Factors for the Least Ticketed Vehicles
Examining the vehicles that earn the fewest citations reveals some common attributes:
– Mainstream styling – These cars employ simple, non-aggressive design elements without excessive spoilers, scoops, or other attention-grabbing styling cues.
– Good outward visibility – Large windows and higher riding height provides good visibility for the driver while also making the vehicle more visible to others.
– Neutral color palettes – Silver, black and white account for over 60% of the palette choices for these vehicles, with subdued blues, grays and beiges also popular.
– 4- and 6-cylinder efficiency-focused powertrains – With horsepower ranging from 180 to 290, these vehicles offer adequate, not extreme, acceleration capability.
– All-wheel-drive options – The stability of available AWD provides safety in inclimate weather, avoiding risky driving behaviors.
– Middle-aged owners -Branding and pricing targets buyers in their 40s and 50s who tend to drive more prudently.
The Profile of a Low-Ticket Vehicle Owner
While the vehicle itself is a major factor in attracting attention from traffic law enforcement, the Type of driver behind the wheel plays an equally important role. Owners of the least cited vehicles tend to share the following characteristics:
– Age over 40 – More mature drivers with years of experience exhibit less risky behavior.
– Married with children – Responsibilities of family life incentivize cautious driving.
– College educated – More years in school reinforce attentiveness and conformance.
– Middle or upper-middle income – Financial stability reduces incentive for criminal behaviors.
– Home ownership – Long-term community ties increase law-abiding conduct.
– Full-time employment – Regular work schedule encourages regular sleep and limited nightlife.
– No prior citations – Clean driving history indicates a pattern of compliance.
– Low annual mileage – Less time on the road leads to fewer opportunities for violations.
Avoiding Common Ticketed Driving Behaviors
While vehicle choice plays a big role in attracting police attention, driver behavior is the most significant factor in receiving a citation. Here are some tips to avoid common driving habits that lead to tickets:
– Obey posted speed limits – Excessive speed is the reason for the majority of traffic stops. Allow extra drive time and avoid rushing.
– Come to complete stops – Rolling through stop signs or not stopping fully at red lights are common infractions.
– Follow right-of-way protocol – Failing to yield right-of-way when required leads to collisions and citations.
– Limit distractions – Eating, phone usage, loud music, and rowdy passengers all lead to dangerous distracted driving.
– Maintain equipment – Faulty lights, expired registration, and excessive exhaust noise signal negligent drivers.
– Avoid aggressive behaviors – Tailgating, frequent lane changes, and irresponsible passing prompt other drivers to notify authorities.
– Drive sober – Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic violations and fatalities. Always use a designated driver.
When Pulled Over: Proper Procedures to Avoid Escalation
If you do happen to get pulled over, even in a low-ticket vehicle, responding appropriately can help avoid making the situation worse:
– Pull over promptly when signaled – The longer it takes to respond, the more suspicious the officer becomes.
– Activate hazards once stopped – This alerts other drivers and indicates compliance.
– Remain in your vehicle – Exiting raises safety concerns unless directed by the officer.
– Keep hands visible – Calmly place them on the wheel to signal you are not a threat.
– Be polite and compliant – Answer questions directly without argument or evasion.
– Point out relevant documents – Offer license, registration, and insurance without reaching or rummaging.
– Accept ticket calmly – Arguing only makes the officer more inclined to find additional violations. Simply contesting the ticket in court later if you disagree with the citation.
Conclusion
While no model of vehicle provides a guarantee against ever being pulled over, thoughtful selection of a lower-profile car that discourages aggressive driving, coupled with attentive, lawful habits behind the wheel, can help limit undesired interactions with traffic law enforcement. Vehicles like the Chevy Equinox, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 strike a smart balance of practicality, safety, and anonymity for drivers looking to avoid attracting attention from the police. With advances in automated enforcement technology like traffic cameras and license plate readers, however, even the most prudent drivers in the least ticketed vehicles need to be mindful to follow all posted traffic laws at all times.
