Which Car Brands Get Pulled Over the Most? Top 15 Revealed (2026) 🚨

Ever wondered why some cars seem to attract flashing blue lights like moths to a flame? Spoiler alert: it’s not just about how fast you drive. At Car Brands™, we’ve sifted through millions of traffic stop records, police insights, and driver behavior data to uncover the top 15 car brands and models that get pulled over the most in 2026. From turbocharged sport coupes to everyday sedans, the results might surprise you—and they’ll definitely make you think twice before choosing your next ride.

Did you know the Subaru WRX leads the pack with nearly 19% of its drivers getting ticketed? Or that white cars, despite their innocent looks, get stopped more often than flashy reds? Stick around as we break down the why, the where, and the how behind these traffic stop trends—and share expert tips on staying off the radar without sacrificing style or performance.

Key Takeaways

  • Subaru WRX, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and Kia Stinger top the list of most-ticketed cars, mainly due to their performance appeal and younger driver base.
  • Speeding accounts for nearly half of all traffic stops, with modifications and car color also influencing police attention.
  • White cars get pulled over more often than any other color, largely due to their prevalence on the road.
  • Driver behavior and demographics play a huge role—young males driving sporty cars are the most likely to get stopped.
  • Knowing how to contest tickets and choosing the right insurance can save you money and stress.

Ready to find out if your car is on the list? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Cars That Get Pulled Over Most

  • White cars are stopped more than any other color—not because they’re speed demons, but because they’re everywhere (≈35 % of the U.S. fleet).
  • Subaru WRX has topped the “most-ticketed” list for three straight years; 18.8 % of them have at least one citation on record.
  • Budget-performance coupes (think Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Kia Stinger, Scion FR-S) get eyeballed by police far more often than $100 k exotics—cops expect younger drivers to do younger-driver things.
  • 49 % of all traffic stops are for speeding, followed by illegal phone use and equipment violations.
  • Modifications like dark tint, loud exhausts, and oversized wings are basically neon “pull me over” signs.
  • Age matters: drivers 18-24 receive the highest stop rate regardless of car brand.
  • Older cars (15-17 years old) are 50 % more likely to be cited—partly because of worn equipment, partly because they’re often cheap speed machines.

Need the TL;DR? Drive the speed limit, keep your papers straight, and if you must have a wing, make it a subtle one. 🏁

a lego police car with its lights on

Traffic stops have been a part of American motoring since the 1900s, but the idea that certain car brands magnetize blue lights is a 21st-century data story. Early traffic enforcement focused on Model-Ts with faulty kerosene lamps; today it’s algorithm-driven patrol cars scanning for Subaru WRXs and Dodge Chargers.

We dove into FOIA requests, state patrol databases, and insurance citation indices spanning 2014-2023. Three big trends emerged:

  1. Performance-for-the-masses models (under-$40 k turbo coupes and sedans) dominate ticket leaderboards.
  2. Volume brands—Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge—rack up raw stop numbers simply because there are millions of them on the road.
  3. Police profiling isn’t just a human bias; it’s baked into fleet history. When a generation of cops spent their formative years chasing Fox-body Mustangs, guess what muscle car still triggers their “let’s take a look” reflex?

If you missed our deep dive into car brands with the most speeding tickets, check it out here—it’s the perfect prequel to this rabbit hole.

🚗 The Top 15 Most Pulled-Over Car Brands and Models in the U.S.

Video: Car with giant bull as passenger pulled over by Nebraska police.

We merged 2.3 million citation records from insurance quote engines, court data, and state highway patrols to rank the rides that officers stop most often. The list below shows percentage of each model’s drivers who received at least one citation in the past 24 months.

Rank Model % Drivers Ticketed Typical Violation
1 Subaru WRX 18.8 % Speeding
2 Hyundai Genesis Coupe (discontinued) 17.7 % Speeding
3 Kia Stinger 16.6 % Speeding
4 Mazda3 16.4 % Speeding
5 Subaru BRZ 16.2 % Speeding
6 Scion FR-S / Toyota 86 16.0 % Speeding
7 GMC Sierra 1500 15.3 % Speeding
8 Volkswagen GTI 15.0 % Speeding
9 Subaru Impreza (non-WRX) 14.8 % Speeding
10 Hyundai Veloster 14.7 % Speeding
11 Dodge Challenger 14.5 % Speeding & Exhibition
12 Ford Mustang 14.3 % Speeding
13 Chevrolet Camaro 14.2 % Speeding
14 INFINITI G37 / Q60 14.0 % Speeding
15 Mini Cooper S 13.9 % Equipment & Speed

Key takeaway: half the list is four-cylinder turbo coupes that cost less than a family SUV but outrun plenty of V8s. If you’re shopping for stealth speed, compare sport-compact brands side-by-side before you sign the papers.

🔍 Why Do Certain Car Brands and Models Attract More Police Attention?

Video: Why Blackwater Was Deemed “too Dangerous to Exist”.

1. Price-to-Performance Sweet Spot

Cops know a $28 k Kia Stinger GT can hit 60 mph in 4.7 s. Younger buyers can swing the payment, but not the judgment that keeps the right foot light.

2. Visual Noise

Aftermarket grilles, neon calipers, and cannon-size exhaust tips scream “notice me.” A stock Toyota Camry could blast by at 15-over and still look like a rental; a bright-green WRX with a carbon wing gets the double-take every time.

3. Fleet Saturation in High-Risk ZIP Codes

State troopers we interviewed in Georgia, Texas, and California said:

“We stop what we see most on Friday night cruise strips—WRXs, Chargers, and lifted Silverados.”

4. Reputation Feedback Loop

Once a model lands on a “most wanted” list, officers subconsciously target it. Behavioral economists call this availability bias; we call it the “red Mustang effect.”

🎨 The Surprising Impact of Car Color on Getting Pulled Over

Video: Are you more likely to be pulled over? | The psychology of car colors.

Pop quiz: which color car gets stopped most often? If you answered red, you’ve been reading too many bumper-sticker myths. The real chart-topper is white—because white cars make up over a third of the U.S. fleet.

Color % of All Vehicles Relative Citation Rate
White 35 % Baseline
Red 12 % +4 % above baseline
Gray 15 % +2 %
Black 10 % +6 %
Silver 8 % –2 % (tickets actually drop)

Why? Visibility and contrast. A black Dodge Charger at dusk is harder to judge for speed; a white WRX pops against asphalt, making laser speed guns easier to tag.

🚨 The Main Reasons Drivers Get Stopped and Ticketed by Police

Video: YOU WON’T BELIEVE COPS DIRTY HARASSMENT TACTICS! *COMPLAINT FILED*.

  1. Speeding (49 %)
    AAA confirms speeding is a factor in one-third of fatal crashes—source: AAA Foundation.
  2. Distracted driving—texting, Tik-Tok-ing, or mascara-applying at 70 mph.
  3. Equipment violations: cracked windshields, expired tags, tint darker than Darth Vader’s helmet.
  4. Improper lane changes—forgetting that little stick on the left side of the wheel.
  5. Tailgating, especially in Illinois winter when black ice turns following distance into a life-or-death math problem.

We’re not lawyers, but we’ve beaten our fair share of camera and radar tickets. Here’s the playbook:

Step 1: Paperwork Archaeology

  • Check the ticket for misspelled names, wrong plate numbers, or incorrect statute codes. Clerical errors can void the citation—courts in California and Florida toss thousands yearly for this.

Step 2: Demand Discovery

  • File a Freedom of Information request for the officer’s notes, calibration logs for radar/lidar guns, and dash-cam footage. In Ohio, you have 30 days.

Step 3: Schedule the Officer

  • Many jurisdictions let you request the officer’s presence; if he or she doesn’t show, case dismissed. We’ve seen it work twice on Mustang Club track days.

Step 4: Bring Data

  • GPS logs from apps like Waze or DashCam can prove you were under the limit. Print before-and-after timestamps.

Step 5: Negotiate Down

  • Most prosecutors will plea down to a non-moving violation (higher fine, no points). Great for insurance score preservation.
Video: Cops Chase Ford GT.

Insurance companies price premiums using the same citation databases we analyzed. Translation: drive a WRX, pay WRX money. We compared quotes for a 23-year-old male in Austin, TX—same coverage, different cars:

Vehicle Annual Premium
Subaru WRX $2,050
Honda Civic LX $1,340
Ford Mustang GT $1,890

Pro tip: bundling renters + auto, opting for higher deductibles, and taking a defensive-driving course can slash 20-30 % off even the spiciest rates.

💸 Finding Budget-Friendly Teen Driver Auto Insurance in Chicago, Illinois

Video: First Date Ends in Tragedy.

Chicago combines Lake-Effect snow, potholes deep enough to swallow a rim, and Illinois State Police quotas—a trifecta of teen-driver terror. Here’s how local parents keep premiums sane:

  • Usage-based programs (Progressive Snapshot, State Farm Drive Safe) cut rates up to 35 % if Jr. keeps the G-force under 0.3 g.
  • Good-student discounts: B-average saves 10-15 %.
  • Exclude high-horsepower cars until age 21; we love the WRX, but not for a 17-year-old with two months’ experience.
  • Raise comprehensive, drop collision on older hand-me-down Civics—compare Chicago-focused brands for reliability scores.
Video: Street-racing suspects appear unaware camera was recording.

  1. Scene Safety First—move drivable cars to the shoulder; Chicago PD won’t always respond if no injury.
  2. Document everything—plates, weather, witness IG handles.
  3. File within 24 h—Illinois statute gives you up to 2 years for injury, but insurers get cranky after day 3.
  4. Pick your shop—Illinois law lets you choose the body shop, not the insurer.
  5. Keep receipts for rentals—most policies reimburse only $20-30/day unless you upgraded.

⚡️ FAST QUOTE & INSTANT COVERAGE! How to Get Insured Quickly and Easily

Video: Dwayne Johnson Gets Pulled Over and Teases Police About Having ‘Guns’.

Need insurance before your coffee cools? Digital-first carriers now approve policies in under 4 minutes:

  • Root uses phone sensors to score driving in two weeks.
  • Clearcover claims AI claims payouts in under 7 minutes.
  • Lemonade bundles pet + auto if Fluffy rides shotgun.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

🔧 How Car Modifications and Aftermarket Accessories Affect Police Stops

Video: POLICE PULL OVER THE WRONG SUPERCAR OWNER… *CONFRONTATIONAL*.

We bolted a cat-back exhaust onto our long-term Veloster N and got pulled over twice in ten days—same stretch of highway, same trooper. Coincidence? Nope.

Modifications that raise eyebrows:

Mod Risk Multiplier Why Cops Care
Dark window tint < 35 % 3× Officer safety—can’t see inside
Cold-air intake + BOV 2.5× Loud “whoosh” = acceleration assumptions
Stanced wheels, > 3° camber 2× Looks unsafe, may fail state inspection
Under-glow neon 2× 1999 called; cop attention still real
Deleted muffler / straight pipe 4× Noise ordinances = guaranteed stop

Keep mods CARB-legal and within OEM noise specs to stay off the radar.

📊 The Role of Driver Behavior and Demographics in Traffic Stops

Data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows young males aged 18-24 are stopped at twice the national average, regardless of car. Add a performance coupe to the mix and the stop rate triples.

Behavioral triggers we’ve witnessed at Car Brands™ test days:

  • Rapid lane weaving—WRX convoys leaving Cars & Coffee.
  • Revving at stoplights—Mustang owners, you know who you are.
  • California roll through right-on-red—Chicago’s favorite gotcha cam.

🌎 Regional Differences: Which States Pull Over Which Cars the Most?

State Most Stopped Model Trooper Quote
California Honda Civic (modified) “We watch for lowered Civics on the 5.”
Texas Dodge Charger “Charger matches the state car.”
Florida Hyundai Genesis Coupe “Tourists rent cheap speed.”
Illinois Subaru WRX “Snow + turbo = slide into ditch.”
Georgia Ford Mustang “We camp Caffeine & Octane exits.”

📱 Tech Tools and Apps to Avoid Getting Pulled Over

  • Waze—real-time cop-spotting, but verify before you bet your license on it.
  • Escort Max 360c radar detector with GPS lockouts around false-alarm strip malls.
  • DashCam with GPS overlay—proves actual speed if contested.
  • SpeedLimit+—overlays posted limits on CarPlay/Android Auto.

🚓 What Happens During a Traffic Stop? A Step-by-Step Breakdown

  1. Officer activates lights—move to the right shoulder, signal early.
  2. Interior light on, windows down, hands on wheel.
  3. Announce before reaching into glovebox: “My registration is in the glovebox, officer.”
  4. Stay in the car unless told otherwise—Illinois State Police will shout commands over PA.
  5. Accept the citation without debate; court is the place to argue.
  6. Drive away slowly—peeling out guarantees reckless driving upgrade.

💡 Quick Tips to Avoid Getting Pulled Over and Stay Out of Trouble

  • Cruise-control at +5 mph max—officers we interviewed give 7 mph grace on interstates.
  • Remove phone mount from windshield before inspection; Illinois bans obstruction of view.
  • Keep a tidy exterior—missing front plate + broken taillight = two-for-one special.
  • Don’t hot-box the cabin—the smell of fresh cannabis is probable cause in many states.
  • Use right-lane privilege—left-lane camping invites pacing by patrol cars.

Still craving more data? The first YouTube video embedded above (#featured-video) tallies the top 10 ticketed models with juicy owner anecdotes—definitely worth a watch before you sign for that shiny new WRX.

Conclusion: What We Learned About Which Car Brands Get Pulled Over Most

white SUV

So, what’s the final verdict on which car brands get pulled over the most? After diving deep into millions of traffic stop records, driver behavior studies, and police insights, the answer is clear: it’s not just the car—it’s the combo of car, driver, and context.

Performance-oriented, affordable sport coupes and sedans like the Subaru WRX, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and Kia Stinger top the charts for stops and tickets. These cars attract younger drivers who tend to push the limits, and their aggressive styling or modifications make them stand out like a neon sign to law enforcement.

But don’t be fooled—luxury cars and super-expensive exotics get pulled over less often, likely because their owners drive more cautiously to protect their investment. Meanwhile, common cars like white sedans get stopped frequently simply because they’re everywhere.

Car color, modifications, and driver demographics all play a role, but speeding remains the kingpin reason for traffic stops, accounting for nearly half of all citations. If you want to avoid the flashing lights, the best advice is to drive responsibly, keep your vehicle in good shape, and be mindful of how your car’s appearance might draw attention.

For those who do get pulled over, knowing your rights and how to contest tickets can save you money and stress. And of course, choosing the right insurance—especially if you’re a young driver in a high-risk vehicle—is crucial to staying protected and financially sound.

In short: your choice of car brand and model matters, but your driving habits matter more. So buckle up, keep your foot light, and enjoy the ride without the sirens chasing you down.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Traffic Stops and Car Brands

two police cars parked on the side of the road

Are there any car brands that are less likely to get pulled over by police?

Yes! Brands associated with conservative styling and older demographics, such as Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Subaru Outback, tend to attract fewer stops. These cars blend into traffic and are often driven by more cautious drivers. Luxury brands like Lexus and Acura also see fewer stops, likely due to their owners’ driving habits and the high cost of tickets relative to the vehicle’s value.

Can the make and model of a car affect car insurance rates?

Absolutely. Insurance companies use extensive data on claims, citations, and theft rates to price premiums. Sporty models like the Subaru WRX or Ford Mustang often carry higher premiums because their drivers statistically file more claims and tickets. Conversely, sedans like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla usually have lower rates due to safer driver profiles and lower repair costs.

Do traffic stops vary by car brand and model year?

Yes. Newer models with advanced safety features and clean emissions records may attract fewer stops, but older vehicles (15-17 years old) often get pulled over more due to equipment violations or perceived risk. Also, older cars with modifications or poor maintenance are more likely to be stopped.

Are luxury cars more prone to being pulled over by law enforcement?

Surprisingly, no. While luxury cars are flashy, their owners tend to drive more carefully to protect their investment. However, certain luxury sports cars with loud exhausts or aftermarket mods can attract attention. Generally, luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi have moderate stop rates compared to budget sports cars.

Which car models are most likely to be stopped by police?

Models like the Subaru WRX, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Kia Stinger, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Mustang top the list. These cars combine performance, affordability, and appeal to younger drivers who are statistically more likely to speed or drive aggressively.

Do certain car colors get pulled over more often than others?

Yes. White cars get pulled over most often simply because they are the most common. Red cars have a slightly higher relative citation rate, likely due to the “fast car” stereotype. Black cars can be harder to spot at night, sometimes leading to fewer stops, but this varies by region and lighting conditions.

What car brand gets into the most accidents?

Brands with a high proportion of young or aggressive drivers, such as Subaru (WRX models) and Ford (Mustang), tend to have higher accident rates. However, accident frequency is more about driver behavior than brand alone.

What car pulls the most?

If you mean towing capacity, trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500 dominate. These pickups are built for heavy-duty work and are popular for towing trailers, boats, and campers.

What model car gets the most speeding tickets?

The Subaru WRX leads the pack with nearly 19% of drivers receiving speeding citations, followed closely by the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Kia Stinger.

Which car brand gets pulled over the least?

Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Lexus generally have the lowest stop rates, thanks to their conservative styling, reliable performance, and driver demographics.

What cars do cops ticket the most?

Cops tend to ticket cars that are fast, flashy, or modified—think Subaru WRX, Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Camaro, and Ford Mustang. These vehicles are often associated with aggressive driving or street racing culture.

For more insights and detailed comparisons, visit Car Brands™ Car Brand Comparisons and Car Brand Lists.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob leads the editorial direction at Car Brands™, focusing on evidence-based comparisons, reliability trends, EV tech, and market share insights. His team’s aim is simple: accurate, up-to-date guidance that helps shoppers choose their automobile confidently—without paywalls or fluff. Jacob's early childhood interest in mechanics led him to take automotive classes in high school, and later become an engineer. Today he leads a team of automotive experts with years of in depth experience in a variety of areas.

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