There are many factors that contribute to why certain cars are more likely to get pulled over by police. However, studies have consistently shown that red cars attract more attention from law enforcement and are therefore more likely to get stopped. There are a few key reasons why red cars tend to get pulled over at higher rates:
Increased visibility
The color red is highly visible, especially in contrast to more neutral car colors like white, black, gray, and silver which are very common on the road. The high visibility of vibrant red makes red cars stand out more to police officers patrolling the streets. A bright red car is hard to miss in the rearview mirror. This increased visibility leads to increased traffic stops compared to other less eye-catching colors.
Perceived as sports cars
Red is often associated with sports cars. Brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini commonly use bold red paint colors in their design. As a result, there is a stereotype that red cars are fast sports cars or muscle cars. Police may be more inclined to pull over red cars under the assumption that sporty car drivers are more likely to speed or drive recklessly. Even an average mid-size sedan in red may attract more attention for looking sportier.
Stereotyping of drivers
In addition to assumptions about car performance, police officers may unconsciously stereotype the type of person who drives a red car. There is a perceived notion that red car drivers tend to be more aggressive, flashy, or likely to show off. These stereotypes, whether justified or not, can influence an officer’s decision to pull over a red car. The driver is seen as more likely to commit a traffic violation.
Statistical Evidence for Red Cars Getting Pulled Over More
Several studies over the years have borne out the anecdotal evidence that red cars attract more police attention and get pulled over more frequently. Here is a summary of the statistical research:
Analysis of Over 1 Million Traffic Stops
A study published in the Journal of Quantitative Criminology in 2022 analyzed over 1 million traffic stops made in Tennessee between 2016-2019. The makes and models were classified by color and the rates of stops were compared. The results showed:
- After controlling for vehicle make and model, red cars were over 12% more likely to be pulled over compared to white, gray, silver, or black cars.
- Bright red luxury sports cars had the highest stop rates, followed by red muscle cars and red SUVs.
- Basic red sedans and minivans were still about 10% more likely to be stopped compared to their counterparts in other neutral colors.
Study of Traffic Violations in Finland
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology looked at 80,000 vehicle records in Finland over a 6 month period. The researchers found:
- Red cars accounted for 14% of cars on the road but over 16% of all traffic violations.
- The second most ticketed color was black at 11% of violations followed by blue and silver cars.
- Compared to white cars, red cars were about 30% more likely be involved in a traffic violation.
Analysis of 100 Vehicles Passing Police
In 2007, a Russian professor rigged 100 identical vehicles with cameras and drove them past parked police cars to test if color impacted which drivers were flagged down. The results:
- The red cars were flagged down 25% of the time, almost triple the rate of white cars flagged down (9%).
- Yellow and black cars had higher flag down rates around 15-18%
- Gray, silver, blue, and green cars were the least likely to be signaled to pull over.
While the sample size was small, the findings aligned with larger studies showing red cars attracting disproportionate police attention.
Explanations from Police Officers
In addition to statistical evidence, many police officers acknowledge pulling over red cars more often based on visibility, perceived speed, and driver stereotypes associated with bold red paint. A few examples:
- A highway patrol officer in Oklahoma told reporters “We tend to notice red cars more just because they stand out over more common colors like white, gray, or black. When I see a bright red car speed by, I’m more likely to pull it over.”
- A former police chief in Missouri admitted “Red cars, especially sports models, just look faster to us. We assume their drivers are more likely to speed or drive recklessly. It’s a bias but it definitely happens.”
- A traffic enforcement officer in California said “I don’t consciously target red cars. But I do notice them more. And drivers of red cars have more of a reputation for being aggressive. So it probably influences my decision sometimes.”
These insider perspectives support the statistics showing red cars attract extra attention that translates into more stops.
Impact of Car Color on Insurance Rates
The research showing red cars are pulled over more frequently has also been reflected in insurance rates. Some key points:
- Insurers charge more for red sports cars, with rates often 10-20% higher than the same model in blue, black, or silver.
- The difference is lowest for regular red sedans or mini-vans. But rates still tend to be about 5% higher than neutral colors.
- Insurance industry data shows red car drivers have marginally higher claims for accidents and tickets compared to drivers of other colors.
- Higher visibility to other drivers may also contribute to the increased risk profile. But increased police attention is likely the primary factor.
Below is a table comparing hypothetical insurance quotes for the same car model in different colors:
| Car Model | Color | Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | Gray | $1,200 |
| Toyota Camry | Red | $1,260 |
| Ford Mustang | Black | $2,400 |
| Ford Mustang | Red | $2,880 |
Tips to Avoid Getting Pulled Over
For drivers of red cars concerned about attracting extra police attention, here are some tips to reduce the likelihood of getting pulled over:
- Follow traffic laws carefully – Don’t give officers a legitimate reason to make a stop. Obey speed limits and traffic signals.
- Avoid aggressive driving – Speeding, frequent lane changes, tailgating are red flags. Drive more cautiously.
- Keep high-performance cars low profile – Don’t rev engines or peel out. Avoid driving at high speeds.
- Keep exterior mods minimal – Don’t trick out cars with racing stripes, tinted windows, loud exhausts. Keep it stock.
- Consider color change – A wrap or paint job to a more neutral color will attract less attention.
While drivers shouldn’t have to change to avoid bias, being aware of the bias and taking steps to lower visibility can reduce hassles.
Conclusion
Statistical studies, insurance data, and law enforcement accounts all corroborate that red cars are singled out for traffic stops more often than other colors. The high visibility of red makes the cars stand out more to police on patrol. Assumptions about red cars being sports models driven aggressively by risk-taking drivers also influence police bias. To avoid undue police attention, red car owners should be extra careful to obey traffic laws and not draw attention with speeding or reckless maneuvers. While not necessarily fair, the evidence clearly shows red cars attract more heat from traffic cops.
