Do unmarked police cars typically pull people over for a speeding or traffic violation?

Cali Cop

Yes, unmarked cars can make enforcement stops. This is rare, and unlikely to the average law abiding citizen. They do this when there is not a close marked unit readily available. This is discouraged by most large departments, but is allowed.

If you are being stopped by one, like many others have already said, call 9-1-1. They will tell you if the stop is legit. If the car is unmarked and the officer in not in uniform, then I would also not be comfortable. That isn't normal, and I would definitely question it.

SLY ONE

YES! If in doubt call 911 to verify that there is one trying to pull you over , if not keep driving until one actually shows up to help. A 911 dispatcher can verify that it is legit. aYou will not be penilized for failure to stop.

Trevor

Unmarked cars can pull you over but if you're unsure that it's geneuinely the police then indicate to the driver that you are aware of their presence and drive to the nearest police station or public space such as a gas station. The police will not hold it against you the fact that you didn't stop immediately.

Joel H

Well for one thing cop cars have certain types of lights......if they are flashing really fast then its a real cop, or if the blue lights are near the headlights....and yes they will pull you for speeding... there are police suv's patroling now where i live so you have to look for more different types of cars, their getting tricky.......

lonewolf1

I go with "HG", especially when a lone woman is being stopped, and especially at night. The officer might get pissed, but your looking out for your welfare. And if you have a cell phone, call the police to make sure??

bmhhpd

Good Question!! The Unmarked police cars actually can pull people over for Traffic Violations and things like that, but they MUST make it know to the driver that they are a Police Officer and that they are trying to pull you over, Example- The Cruisers are equipped with the normal equipment like the Sirens, and lights but the lights are hidden very well usually in the Grill, and the little light they can put up on the Visor. But if an unmarked tries to pull you over it'll be like a normal traffic stop with a marked car. But for some reason if they arent equipped they'll call a marked unit to pull the car over, like if they dont have the light and siren, or they dont have there gun on them cause they are undercover or something like that. Hope That Answers your
Question.

Do I know you? ya right LoL

I have seen a few here in cali pull people over...there is supposed to be a number you can call from your cell phone...and if you dont feel like somethings right you can put your emergency lights on and wait til u get to a gas station or somewhere other people are at...and then pull over...

volleyballchick

Yes they do. That is why they are unmarked - so speeding vehicles won't spot them.

As for safety, you can ask them for an identification and badge number. If the spot they are pulling you over in is very remote and away from the population, then you can tell them that you don't feel safe, and that you wish to drive to a more populated, well-lit area for the interaction. If they refuse, then ask that they call their supervisor and have them come out to assist. A fake will not be able to contact a supervisor.

There have been cases where they have, yes. Your question is valid and important. If you are signalled to pull over by an unmarked car, acknowledge them (turn on your hazards,etc), and then find a place that is well populated with witnesses. I'd also recommend calling the law enforcement in that area to ensure it is a valid stop, and not some creep.

They can and do. You have the right to ask for a uniformed officer if you don't feel comfortable. The cop that pulled you over should be accommodating and understand. No biggie.

STEVEN F

The correct answer actually varies by state. Some jurisdictions actually use unmarked cars as the primary means of catching traffic violations. Where this is done, the officer is usually in uniform. If you are in doubt you can call 911 and/or proceed to a well lighted public area. Any good officer will understand this.

jimmy

Yes they can. In Illinois state police use Mustangs, Camaros and even Corvettes with dark tinted windows and regular passenger vehicle tags. If you are unsure lock your doors just crack your window and ask the trooper or officer to call for a marked vehicle, if none is available the shift commander may show up, no big deal. Just do not drive off, you may find out he was a real cop when you speed away and have 10 to 15 marked cars chasing you down.

gizmo7008

Not typically, but it does happen.

I love the flipflops

in my area and the areas surrounding us, yes it is very normal however you can pull over at a lighted area with many people around, if they try to say you were trying not to stop, I believe now you can tell them that you were going to a "safe area" and they cannot do anything about it.

Meatyfrog

An unmarked car can pull over a car if the officer observes a violation of the law or has probable cause that someone in the car has committed a crime and that officer is vested with the authority in that jurisdiction. It is not common for that officer to pull over someone for minor traffic violations as it negates them being "unmarked". It would be done for a matter of public safety.

dlondo99

Like everyone else said, yes, they often pull people over. However, regarding folks advice about continuing on to a nice place to pull over and it NOT being held against you...be very carefull, if you speed up or pass what the officer believes to have been a perfectly safe spot to pull over, he will charge you with eluding / felony evasion. Don't be surprised when you are dragged from your vehicle at gunpoint and pounced on by several persons. The whole "they can't hold it against you" line is BS! Don't get cute in this situation as the whole "crazy guy acting like a cop by pulling people over" schtick is WAAY played out.

fstopf4

Yes they do all the time. It's best when in doubt of whether a car is a unmarked or just someone pretending is to procede at a normal rate of speed straight to the NEAREST police station

armyboysmith

unmarked police vehicles are primarily to catch traffic violations in general. Yes turn on ur lights and pull into a public place, and yes they can pull u over, but they are suppose to ask for a cover car to assist them, also dont call 911 911 is an emergency contact that alerts police, fire and medical teams, if u call them to verify if a cop is real ur tying up a line used for emergencies, you can also ask the officer on contact for his badge number and contact number for the dispatch u should also have the local PD's number anyway in an emergency b/c not all locations have 911, here in Colorado Springs they are just starting to set up 911 dispatch offices. Also some cell phone companies dont carry 911 services. Also police vehicles that are unmarked will have lights installed in the front and back of the vehicle and not just on the dash this is a good indicator if its a punk or a real cop

House Mouse

Yes, and ask for ID.

hillaryskanksalot

This is about the only thing ANY cops do. After all, it's safer to pull over a speeder than it is to catch a real criminal. Cops may be lazy, but they aren't stupid!

Bunch of donut-eating mothers!

VdogNcrck

Unmarked cars cannot pull people over.

My dad is an undercover officer

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