For some, the sight of a police cruiser in rear view mirror can be a cause for alarm, whether you are guilty of a driving offense or not. It is common for law enforcement agencies to use unmarked vehicles for a variety of tasks, from traffic enforcement to surveillance. Knowing how to spot an unmarked police cruiser before it spots you can give you the peace of mind to drive confidently and legally. In this post, we’ll explore ten ways to identify these stealthy vehicles. However, keep in mind that the ultimate goal should always be to respect the rules of the road and maintain safe driving habits at all times.

1. Look for Extra Antennas

Unmarked police cruisers often have extra antennas on the roof or trunk for radios or other communication equipment. These are usually more than what you would find on a typical vehicle. Spotting these can be tricky, especially at night or in heavy traffic. However, with a little practice and observation, you can learn to recognize this common feature of unmarked police vehicles.

Common antenna types include whip antennas for radio communication and shorter, thicker antennas for GPS or automatic license plate readers. Some unmarked vehicles may also have antennas mounted on the inside of the vehicle, which can be harder to spot. In addition to the antennas, look for telltale mounting brackets or holes on the trunk or roof where antennas may have been installed or removed.

2. Check for Hidden Lights

Another common feature of unmarked police cruisers is hidden emergency lights. These are typically installed inside the vehicle’s grille, rear window, side mirrors, or headlights. When not in use, these lights can be difficult to spot. However, certain angles or lighting conditions can reveal their presence.

For instance, during the daytime, look for unusual reflections in the vehicle’s grille or rear window. At night, hidden lights can sometimes be seen as faintly glowing or unusually bright spots. Keep in mind that not all unmarked police cruisers use hidden lights, and those that do may use different types and placements depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the specific requirements of the law enforcement agency.

3. Look for Spotlights

Spotlights are a common feature on both marked and unmarked police cruisers. On unmarked vehicles, they are usually mounted on the driver’s side near the side mirror. The presence of a spotlight alone does not necessarily mean a vehicle is a police cruiser, but it is a common feature to look for.

Spotlights are typically used by law enforcement to illuminate a scene or to draw attention to a specific area or person. They can be easy to spot during the day, but much harder to see at night when they are not in use. If you see a vehicle with a spotlight, take note of other features such as antennas and hidden lights which may indicate that it is an unmarked police cruiser.

4. Notice the License Plates

Unmarked police cruisers often have government or exempt license plates. These plates differ from regular license plates in design and number sequence. However, this isn’t always the case, as some unmarked vehicles may use standard license plates to blend in better with regular traffic.

In some jurisdictions, government or exempt plates may be marked with specific letters or numbers that indicate they belong to a law enforcement agency. Familiarize yourself with the license plate formats in your area and pay attention to any plates that seem out of the ordinary. Remember, though, that not all vehicles with government or exempt plates are police cruisers, and not all unmarked police cruisers use these types of plates.

5. Look for Tinted Windows

Many unmarked police cruisers have tinted windows. This is to help conceal the identity of the officers inside and to prevent potential criminals from seeing any police equipment in the vehicle. However, like many other features, tinted windows alone do not necessarily indicate a police cruiser.

The level of tint varies depending on the jurisdiction and the specific requirements of the law enforcement agency. Some unmarked cruisers may have very dark tint, while others may have only a slight tint. Keep in mind that in many places, there are legal limits on how dark a vehicle’s windows can be tinted, and these limits apply to both civilian and police vehicles.

6. Check for Bulletproof Tires

Bulletproof tires are another feature that may indicate an unmarked police cruiser. These tires are designed to resist punctures and continue functioning even when damaged. This can be a crucial feature for police vehicles, which may need to pursue or evade dangerous suspects.

Bulletproof tires can be difficult to spot, but there are a few things you can look for. These tires tend to be wider and thicker than normal tires, and they may have a distinctive tread pattern. They may also be marked with specific brand names or symbols indicating that they are bulletproof. However, keep in mind that not all unmarked police cruisers use bulletproof tires, and not all vehicles with these tires are police cruisers.

7. Notice the Vehicle’s Condition

Unmarked police cruisers are often newer models and are typically well-maintained. Law enforcement agencies have a vested interest in keeping their vehicles in good working order, so you’re less likely to see an unmarked police cruiser with body damage, faded paint, or other signs of neglect.

Look for vehicles that seem unusually clean or well taken care of, especially in comparison to other vehicles on the road. Also take note of the vehicle’s make and model. Many police agencies favor certain types of vehicles for their unmarked cruisers, such as sedans or SUVs from American manufacturers.

8. Look at the Wheels and Tires

The wheels and tires on an unmarked police cruiser can sometimes give it away. Many police vehicles are equipped with steel rims and high-performance tires, which can handle the demands of police work.

Steel rims are often painted black and lack the decorative elements found on alloy wheels. High-performance tires are designed for better handling and durability, and they may have a distinctive tread pattern or branding. However, like many other features, this alone does not necessarily indicate a police cruiser.

9. Spot the Cage

Inside many unmarked police cruisers, you’ll find a metal cage separating the front and back seats. This cage is designed to protect officers from any suspects they might be transporting.

While you probably won’t be able to see this feature while you’re driving, it’s something to look for if you’re parked next to a suspicious vehicle. However, keep in mind that not all unmarked police cruisers have cages, and not all vehicles with cages are police cruisers.

10. Look for Special Equipment

Finally, look for any special equipment or modifications that might indicate a vehicle is an unmarked police cruiser. This could include anything from a dashboard computer to a gun rack.

While it can be difficult to spot these features from outside the vehicle, they’re often visible if you’re close enough. However, just as with all the other features on this list, the presence of special equipment alone does not necessarily mean a vehicle is a police cruiser.

Remember, these tips are meant to help you identify unmarked police cruisers so you can drive with confidence and peace of mind. They are not intended to assist in unlawful activities. Always respect the rules of the road and drive safely.