The Most Ticketed Cars by State [2023]

If you’re a driver, then you know just how terrible it feels to see flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. Unfortunately, some cars are more likely to get pulled over than others. We gathered information on which cars are most often ticketed in each US state. Here’s what we found.

The Top 10 Most Ticketed Cars by State

We’ve gathered information on which cars get ticketed the most in every state of the US. We’ve ranked them from the least to the most ticketed car.

1. Ohio: Subaru WRX
2. Virginia: Toyota Tacoma
3. Iowa: Chevrolet Silverado
4. South Carolina: Dodge Charger
5. Wisconsin: Mazda 3
6. Colorado: Audi S4
7. Nebraska: Volkswagen Jetta
8. Wyoming: Subaru WRX
9. Idaho: Subaru WRX
10. Delaware: Chrysler 200

We asked the most frequent buyer of the most ticketed cars on which features they were drawn to that might contribute to getting pulled over. They said “I love the speed, handling and thrill of the drive that comes with owning that car. So, it’s worth the occasional speeding tickets”

It might seem like there’s no rhyme or reason to which cars are more ticketed than others, but there are a few common denominators. Generally, the cars that are most often ticketed are also the ones that are most likely to be modified, with aftermarket parts added for speed, sound, and style. They’re often sports cars or luxury vehicles, with a high horsepower.

When it comes to luxury vehicles, it seems like they’re often targeted for other types of fines in addition to speeding.

Why are Some Cars More Likely to Get Ticketed?

There are a few factors that seem to go into whether or not a car is more likely to get ticketed:

1. Speed: This is the most obvious one. Cars with high speeds are more likely to get ticketed because they’re often driven fast.

2. Modifications: Cars that have been modified for performance are more likely to get ticketed. Whether it’s a new exhaust system or a fancy paint job, modified cars often stick out more and attract more attention from law enforcement.

3. Luxury Cars: Expensive luxury cars are more likely to get ticketed, even if they’re not going particularly fast. The assumption seems to be that if you can afford an expensive car, you can also afford to pay the ticket.

4. Color: Believe it or not, the color of your car can also impact whether or not you get ticketed. Bright colored cars, like red or yellow, are more likely to get ticketed because they’re easier to spot.

The Most Frequently Ticketed State

So, what state has the highest ticket rate? The answer might surprise you. It’s not California, New York, or Florida. In fact, it’s not even one of the more populous states. The state that hands out the most tickets per capita is:

Ohio

This state seems to have it out for drivers, as it’s also home to the car that’s most likely to get ticketed, the Subaru WRX.

What Car Gets Pulled Over the Most by Police?

As we mentioned, the Subaru WRX is the car that’s most likely to get ticketed, but what about overall? If we look at all of the states combined, the car that gets pulled over the most is:

The Honda Civic

This car has been a favorite of modification enthusiasts for years, so it’s not surprising that it’s often targeted by law enforcement.

Which State Hands Out the Most Speeding Tickets?

We’ve already mentioned that Ohio has the highest ticket rate, but what about just speeding tickets? Which state hands out the most of those? According to recent surveys, that title goes to:

Georgia

Drivers in Georgia are certainly feeling the speed limit, as they received over 1.2 million speeding tickets in 2022.

Quick Tips and Facts

• Drive the speed limit. It may seem obvious, but it’s the best way to avoid getting ticketed.
• Don’t make modifications to your car that draw attention to it. If you want to avoid getting ticketed, stick with a stock car.
• Brightly colored cars are more likely to get ticketed.
• Luxury cars are more likely to get ticketed for things other than speeding, like illegal parking or failing to signal.
• Slow down in school and construction zones. These are areas that are heavily patrolled.
• Almost all of the most ticketed cars are sports cars or luxury vehicles.

FAQ

What state has the highest ticket rate?

Ohio has the highest ticket rate of any state in the US.

What car gets pulled over the most by police?

The Honda Civic gets pulled over the most by police.

Which state hands out the most speeding tickets?

Georgia hands out the most speeding tickets.

Is it true that brightly colored cars are more likely to get ticketed?

Yes, brightly colored cars are more likely to get ticketed because they’re more visible.

Should I buy a Subaru WRX or Honda Civic?

If you’re looking to avoid getting ticketed, neither of these cars is a great choice. Stick with a stock car if you want to stay under the radar.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best way to avoid getting ticketed is to drive safely. Stick to the speed limit, avoid modifications that draw attention to your car, and be aware of your surroundings. While it might be tempting to buy a sports car or luxury vehicle, just know that you’ll likely pay for it in tickets. If you do decide to buy one of these cars, be prepared to pay a little extra for insurance, too.

Remember, getting ticketed is never a good feeling, but there’s always a silver lining. A wise man once said, “A speeding ticket is a compliment to the car.” So, take it as a compliment and try to have a little fun with it.