Random Tips To Know If That Cop Car Is Legit (9 items)

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  (#1) Dial 911 To Verify The Vehicle

  In certain states or countries, calling 112 or #77 might connect you to the highway patrol or a police dispatcher who could help identify any unmarked car pulling you over. These numbers don't work in every locale, however.

  Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste recommends "just [calling] 911. There’s no reason to use another number. 911 is always the best way to reach the police when you need our assistance."
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  (#2) Drive Slowly And Ask To Stop In A Well-Lit, Populated Area

  It may be unwise to open your car door when pulled over by an unmarked vehicle on a poorly lit road or other desolate location. In instances like these, police spokesman Captain Paul Starks recommends drivers comply with the officer by slowing down but not stopping.

  The civilian motorist can then call 911, explain the situation, and state a preference to pull over in a populated area for safety's sake. This will prevent most dangers and give dispatchers a chance to determine if the following car really belongs to local authorities. 
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  (#3) Police Cars Will Have Municipal Plates

  Verify questionable police vehicles by looking at the license plates. Official police cars bear municipal plates because they're owned by the local or state government. Distinctive from normal civilian ones, the tags usually have a distinctive symbol or text. 

  In many instances, the tags on law enforcement cars will also be a different color and style. While the same principle isn't always true for unmarked or undercover cars, many police departments still use municipal plates for those vehicles too.
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  (#4) Watch Out For Make And Model

  To easily check if a suspicious car actually belongs to a law enforcement agent, check the make and model. Most police departments use only a few types of cars, making authenticity checks slightly easier. Many police agents use cars like the Ford Crown Victoria, the Dodge Charger, the Chevy Caprice, the Ford Taurus, and the Chevy Impala. Bigger SUVs such as the Ford Explorer are also popular choices. 

  Be careful, though - perps can buy these vehicles too.
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  (#5) Unmarked Police Cars Have Incredibly Bright Lights

  Unmarked police cars typically blend in with civilian vehicles on the road. However, when the officers pull over drivers, their car lights should make them more recognizable. Many older police vehicles used small bubble lights on the dashboard to signal drivers, but now more sophisticated systems exist.

  Newer cars to tend to come equipped with powerful lights hidden in the grille, windshield, and wing mirrors, differentiating them from posers' vehicles.
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  (#6) Recognize The Giveaways On Genuine Police Cars

  Certain giveaways mark most genuine police cars. For example, many law enforcement vehicles have spotlights on the wing mirrors or passenger doors, allowing officers to see better in the dark. The cars may have window tinting as well in addition to bars separating the front seats from the back ones for security purposes.

  Moreover, the vehicles will likely be well maintained, with certain modifications like antenna clusters on the roof or trunk.
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  (#7) If A Plainclothes Officer Pulls You Over, Ask For A Uniformed Officer To Join

  In areas that authorize plainclothes or undercover police to pull over drivers, drivers still have some protection. After being stopped, the driver in question can call 911, inform the dispatcher about the situation, and ask for a marked police car to join the scene.

  This process ensures everyone at the traffic stop has authority to be there.
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  (#8) Know The Policies Regarding Undercover Officers In Each State

  Each state maintains various rules and regulations about how and if undercover police and unmarked law enforcement vehicles can pull over motorists. Accordingly, it's advisable to make yourself aware of the policies in your state and neighboring locales.

  For example, states like Ohio introduced legislation which prevents plainclothes officers or unmarked cars from stopping drivers for minor traffic infractions.
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  (#9) Learn To Identify Genuine Police IDs

  Various places on the internet sell fake police badges and IDs, so asking to see an officer's identification might not always help you spot law enforcement impersonators.

  You can call the local police dispatch to check if the person who pulls you over has a valid ID number. However, learning what proper police identification looks like in your area is advisable. After you ask to see the potential officer's credentials, pay close attention.

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