Can an Unmarked Police Car Legally Stop a Vehicle if They Turn on Their Lights?

The local Sheriff's office has a few unmarked Ford Explorers in their fleet. All equipped with red and blue lights in the grill and an interior light bar. All painted in a medium metallic gray with tinted windows. All are driven by patrol supervisors. They don't engage in routine traffic stops, but if one of these cars illuminates you, you're in a heap of trouble.

The Justification: The Law

When a police officer, whether in a marked or unmarked car, activates their lights to pull someone over, they must have a valid reason. An officer's primary responsibility is to maintain the safety of the roads for the benefit of all.

Lawful Traffic Stops by Unmarked Vehicles

In most states, unmarked police vehicles can still make traffic stops if the officer witnesses an offense. Many police departments use barely-marked enforcement vehicles such as the Black on Black interceptor, which blend in but still adhere to traffic laws.

For example, the blue and red lights of an unmarked police car like the Ford Explorer are easily visible, making it clear to the driver that they are being pulled over. Rest assured, 5 more cruisers will soon appear to verify and legitimize the stop.

The Function of Unmarked Police Cars

Unmarked police cars serve a specific purpose: to catch people who do not behave when they know the police are around. The effectiveness of these vehicles relies on their ability to deter lawbreakers before an offense occurs. By being a surprise presence, these unmarked cars increase the likelihood of compliant behavior in areas where they operate.