Thinking of buying a new car and wondering if its color makes you a magnet for traffic tickets? You’re not alone. Many drivers operate under the long-held belief that a flashy red car is practically an invitation for police to pull you over, while a neutral-colored car lets you fly under the radar. But how much of that is truth, and how much is just a persistent driving myth?
Contrary to popular belief, white cars get pulled over the most. This is largely because white is the most common car color on the road, making them statistically more likely to be involved in any given traffic stop, not because the color itself attracts attention.
Leveraging extensive analysis of traffic stop data and established patterns, this guide definitively answers the question of what car color gets pulled over the most. We’ll debunk the long-standing myths with hard data, reveal the factors that actually put you at risk for a ticket, and provide the clear, evidence-based insights you need to understand what truly matters on the road.
Key Facts
- White Cars are #1: Data analysis consistently shows that white-colored vehicles are pulled over and ticketed more often than any other color, including red. This is a matter of pure statistics, as white is the most popular car color in the United States.
- The “Red Car Myth” is False: The idea that red cars are ticket magnets is a classic example of confirmation bias. There is no significant data supporting this claim; it’s a belief fueled by cultural association and media stereotypes.
- Data Proves It: A 2022 study by the Arizona Department of Public Safety found that white cars accounted for 14% of stops, while red cars accounted for only 12%. This aligns with other analyses showing color is not a primary factor.
- Behavior is the Real Culprit: The most influential factor for getting pulled over is driver behavior. Speeding is the number one reason for traffic stops, far outweighing vehicle color.
- Broader Biases Exist: It’s critical to acknowledge that other biases play a role. Data highlighted by the ACLU of Illinois shows significant racial disparities, with Black drivers being disproportionately stopped compared to white drivers.
The Surprising Truth: What Car Color Actually Gets Pulled Over the Most?
Contrary to popular belief, white cars get pulled over the most. This is largely because white is the most common car color, making them statistically more likely to be involved in a traffic stop. Thinking of buying a red car to fly under theradar? The data might surprise you. While red cars feel like they should be the top target, the numbers point elsewhere. The sheer volume of white vehicles on the road means that, by simple probability, they are involved in more traffic incidents and stops.
According to data cited by organizations like the National Motorists Association, when you look at the raw numbers, white is the color that appears most frequently in traffic stop reports. Red comes in second, followed by gray and silver. The conclusion is clear: the most ticketed car color is also the most popular car color.
Debunking the Myth: Are Red Cars Really a Magnet for Tickets?
No, the idea that red cars get pulled over more is a myth. Data shows driver behavior, not color, is the key factor. The belief persists due to cultural associations and confirmation bias. For decades, drivers have been told that a red car screams “pull me over.” This belief is rooted in the psychology of color; red is often associated with speed, aggression, and risk-taking. This stereotype is heavily reinforced in movies and television, cementing it in our collective consciousness.
Quick Fact: The belief that red cars get more tickets is a classic example of confirmation bias—we notice the red cars that get pulled over and forget all the others that don’t. When you see a red sports car on the side of the road, it confirms your pre-existing belief, while you likely don’t even register the dozens of white, black, and silver cars that were also stopped that day.
| Perception (The Myth) | Data (The Reality) |
|---|---|
| Red cars are targeted by police. | Driver behavior is the primary factor. |
| Red is linked to speed and risk. | Red cars accounted for only 12% of stops in a 2022 AZ study. |
The evidence simply doesn’t support the myth. The focus on color is a distraction from the factors that law enforcement actually pays attention to.
The Data Breakdown: White, Red, and Silver Cars
A 2022 Arizona study showed white cars at 14% of stops and red cars at 12%. Similarly, a 2021 European study found silver and black cars were most common in stops. When you move beyond anecdotes and look at the research, a consistent picture emerges. Color is a minor character in the story of traffic stops.
- A comprehensive study conducted by the Arizona Department of Public Safety in 2022 provided clear percentages: white cars made up 14% of traffic stops, while red cars were behind at 12%.
- A broad 2021 European analysis revealed a similar trend in a different market, finding that silver and black cars were the most common vehicles involved in traffic stops. In that same analysis, red cars again accounted for just 12% of incidents.
These figures demonstrate that while red cars are certainly pulled over, they are not stopped at a rate disproportionate to their numbers on the road. The data consistently points towards the most popular colors—white, gray, silver, and black—being the most frequently stopped.
If Not Color, What Are the Real Factors Influencing Traffic Stops?
The most significant factors for getting pulled over are driver behavior (speeding is #1), vehicle type (sports cars and modified vehicles), and driving location (high-enforcement zones). If you truly want to avoid unwanted attention from law enforcement, forget about your car’s paint job and focus on these critical areas. Police officers are trained to look for specific behaviors and vehicle profiles that suggest a higher risk of violations.
Pro Tip: Focusing on safe driving habits is far more effective at avoiding a ticket than choosing a ‘safe’ car color.
Here are the factors that really matter, ranked in order of importance:
- Driver Behavior: This is, without a doubt, the number one reason for any traffic stop. Speeding is the most common offense, followed closely by aggressive driving (like tailgating or unsafe lane changes) and distracted driving (such as using a phone). These are clear violations that are easy for an officer to spot.
- Vehicle Type and Modifications: The type of car you drive does make a difference. Sports cars are naturally associated with speed and performance, drawing more scrutiny. Furthermore, vehicles with aftermarket modifications—like loud exhausts, non-standard lighting, or extreme suspension changes—stand out and suggest a driver who is more interested in performance than in following regulations. Modified vehicles often suggest a driver who is more interested in performance, which can lead to closer scrutiny.
- Location and Time of Day: Where and when you drive is a huge factor. Police patrols are more concentrated in high-risk zones, such as school zones, construction sites, and known ride-sharing hotspots where traffic violations are more common. Driving late at night, especially on weekends, can also lead to increased observation from law enforcement.
A Note on Broader Biases in Traffic Stops
It is important to acknowledge that significant racial disparities exist in traffic stops, with data showing Black drivers are disproportionately stopped. While discussing factors like behavior and vehicle type, it’s irresponsible to ignore the well-documented role of systemic bias in policing. It’s a crucial reminder that the context of traffic stops extends beyond just driving habits and vehicle types.
According to the 2021 Illinois Traffic Stop Data analyzed by the ACLU of Illinois, stark racial inequities persist. The findings show that Black drivers are stopped and searched at a significantly higher rate than white drivers, even when controlling for other factors. This highlights a critical and troubling dimension of traffic enforcement in the United States that cannot be overlooked.
To gain peace of mind and have a clear record of your driving, a reliable dash cam is an invaluable tool.
FAQs About what car color gets pulled over the most
Here are direct answers to some of the most common follow-up questions about the relationship between car color, tickets, and safety.
What color car gets ticketed most?
White cars get ticketed and pulled over the most, followed by red, gray, and silver. The high number for white cars is primarily due to it being the most popular vehicle color on the road. More white cars in circulation means, statistically, they will be involved in more traffic stops. The color itself is not the reason; its popularity is.
What is the best color car to avoid accidents?
White is often considered the safest car color because its high visibility makes it stand out in various weather conditions, potentially helping to prevent accidents. Unlike darker colors like black or gray that can blend into shadows, pavement, or poor weather like rain and fog, a white vehicle is more easily seen by other drivers, which may reduce the risk of a collision.
What type of car gets pulled over the most?
Sports cars and vehicles with aftermarket modifications are more likely to get pulled over as they attract more attention and may be associated with more aggressive driving styles. Models that are frequently ticketed often include performance-oriented sedans and coupes. This reinforces the core finding that driver profile and vehicle type are far more significant than color.
Why do people think red cars get pulled over more?
The belief stems from cultural associations of the color red with speed and risk-taking, reinforcement of this stereotype in media, and a psychological effect called confirmation bias. Here’s the breakdown:
* Cultural Perception: Red is linked to concepts like “danger,” “stop,” and “passion,” which get transferred onto the car.
* Media Stereotypes: Movies and TV shows frequently feature red sports cars in high-speed chases.
* Confirmation Bias: This is the tendency to notice and remember information that confirms your existing beliefs. You see a red car pulled over and think, “I knew it,” while ignoring all the non-red cars that were also stopped.
Final Summary: Drive Safe, Not Shy: Why Behavior Beats Color Every Time
After analyzing the data and debunking the myths, the conclusion is undeniable: what car color gets pulled over the most has far more to do with statistics and driver habits than with the paint job itself. The long-standing fear of the “red car curse” is nothing more than a myth perpetuated by psychological bias and cultural stereotypes. The real factors that lead to a traffic stop are entirely within your control.
Instead of worrying about your car’s paint job, focus on what truly keeps you safe and ticket-free on the road.
- White is #1, But Only by Statistics: White cars are stopped most often simply because there are more of them on the road.
- Behavior is King: Speeding, aggressive maneuvers, and distracted driving are the real reasons for traffic stops.
- Vehicle Type Matters: Sports cars and modified vehicles naturally attract more scrutiny than a standard family sedan.
- Drive Smart: The ultimate way to avoid a ticket is to be a safe, attentive, and responsible driver, regardless of whether your car is bright yellow or boring beige.
Last update on 2025-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
