Whether you’re a speed demon trying to dodge a ticket, or a concerned citizen wanting to be aware of their surroundings, knowing how to spot an unmarked police cruiser can be a handy skill. It’s not about evading the law, but about being observant and aware of the law enforcement presence around you.
These stealthy vehicles can be difficult to spot, but with a keen eye and a little knowledge, you can often identify them before they see you. So let’s talk about how to spot an unmarked police cruiser before it spots you.
Look for Extra Antennas
Unmarked police cruisers usually have more antennas than a regular vehicle. They might be hidden or discreet, but often you can see two or three antennas sticking out. One antenna is usually for the police radio, while the others may be for other communication or tracking systems.
Although civilian vehicles can also have multiple antennas, most only have one for the car radio. So, if you see a car with multiple antennas, you might want to take a second look. Remember, these antennas may be small, subtle, or even disguised to look like part of the vehicle, so keep a keen eye out.
Check for Hidden Lights
Another telltale sign of an unmarked police cruiser is hidden lights. These are often placed inside the grill, behind the windshield, or in the rear window. They are not visible until they are turned on, but if you look closely, you can often see the light housings or wiring.
Keep an eye out for unusual placements of lights or oddly tinted areas in the windows or on the grill. Remember, the goal of these vehicles is to blend in, so the lights may be very well hidden. If you see a car with these features, it might be an unmarked police cruiser.
Watch for Tinted Windows
Police cruisers often have tinted windows for privacy and security. If you see a vehicle with heavily tinted windows, it could be an unmarked police car.
Of course, many civilian vehicles also have tinted windows. However, the combination of heavy tinting with other signs like extra antennas or hidden lights can be a strong indication of a police cruiser. Keep in mind that laws on window tinting vary by state, so what might be normal in one area could be unusual in another.
Spot the Spotlight
Many unmarked police cars have a spotlight mounted on the driver’s side. This is used for various police activities, like illuminating a scene or a person of interest.
While some civilian trucks and SUVs might also have a spotlight, it’s not a common feature on most vehicles. If you see a car with a spotlight, especially in combination with other signs, it could be a police cruiser.
Observe the License Plate
In many regions, all official police vehicles, marked or unmarked, have special license plates. These might be designated by a specific number or letter sequence, a particular color, or an insignia.
Keep in mind that this isn’t the case everywhere, and some unmarked police cars have regular license plates. However, if you’re familiar with the license plate conventions in your area, this can be a good way to spot a police cruiser.
Look for a Partition
A partition or cage between the front and back seats is a clear sign of a police cruiser. If you can see inside the vehicle and spot a partition, it’s almost certainly a police car.
Of course, you won’t be able to see this from a distance, and it may be difficult to see in a car with tinted windows. However, if you’re close enough to see inside, this is a sure sign of a police cruiser.
Notice the Wheels
Police cruisers often have distinctive wheels. They might be steel rims with small hubcaps, or black wheels with a chrome center. They are designed for durability and performance, not style.
Again, some civilian vehicles might also have these types of wheels, but in combination with other signs, they can indicate a police cruiser.
Check for a Push Bumper
A push bumper is a metal bar or frame at the front of the vehicle. It’s used by police to safely push another vehicle, for example, to move a disabled car off the road.
Not all unmarked police cars have push bumpers, and some civilian vehicles, especially trucks and SUVs, might also have them. However, if you see a car with a push bumper, especially in combination with other signs, it could be a police cruiser.
Spot the Clean and Well-Maintained Look
Unmarked police cars are typically cleaner and better maintained than similar civilian vehicles, with no visible rust, dents, or paint issues.
Again, this is not a definitive sign, as many civilians also take good care of their cars. However, in combination with other signs, it can hint at a police cruiser.
Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your gut. If a car just seems out of place or makes you feel uneasy, it could be an unmarked police cruiser. Law enforcement officers are trained to blend in, but they can’t always fool a keen observer.
Remember, the goal is not to evade the law, but to be aware of your surroundings. If you think a car might be a police cruiser, it’s best to drive safely and responsibly, just as you should do anyway. It’s not worth risking a ticket or worse over a hunch.