Do Red Cars Get Pulled Over More? Debunking the Myth with Data

Mar 11, 2025

The belief that red cars are targeted by law enforcement more than other colors is a persistent myth. However, research and traffic data reveal a more nuanced reality. Below, we dissect the factors influencing traffic stops, explore the origins of the myth, and analyze why car color plays a minimal role in policing decisions.

1. The Origin of the Myth: Why Red?

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The association between red cars and increased traffic stops stems from cultural, psychological, and media-driven factors:

Cultural Perception: Red has long symbolized danger, passion, and speed. Iconic sports car brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini popularized red as a “racing” color, reinforcing its link to high performance and risk-taking.
Media Influence: Films like The Fast and the Furious and ads for sports cars often depict red vehicles in high-speed chases, perpetuating the stereotype.
Confirmation Bias: Drivers of red cars who are pulled over may attribute the stop to their vehicle’s color rather than their behavior, amplifying the myth.

A 2018 study in Color Research and Application found that people associate red with impulsivity and aggression, which may subconsciously influence perceptions of red car drivers.

2. What the Data Says: No Link Between Color and Stops

A. Crash and Citation Statistics

Monash University Study (2016): Analyzing 850,000 crashes in Australia, researchers found red cars were not overrepresented in collisions compared to white or silver vehicles. White cars actually had a slightly higher accident rate due to their prevalence on roads.
Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI): After adjusting for driver age, gender, and location, HLDI found no significant correlation between car color and insurance claim frequency.

B. Visibility vs. Noticeability

NHTSA Visibility Report: White, silver, and yellow vehicles are 10–20% more visible in low-light conditions than red cars. For example, white cars reflect 55% more light at night, reducing collision risks.
Contrast in Traffic: While red may stand out in a sea of neutral-colored cars, this does not equate to higher stop rates. A 2020 MIT study noted that police target behavior, not color.

3. What Actually Increases Pull-Over Risk

A. Driver Behavior

Speeding: The #1 reason for traffic stops, accounting for 27% of citations, per the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, erratic lane changes, or running red lights. A 2021 AAA Foundation study found aggressive drivers are 3x more likely to be stopped.
Distracted Driving: Texting or phone use led to 14% of stops in urban areas, per the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

B. Vehicle Type and Modifications

Sports Cars: Models like the Chevrolet Corvette or Ford Mustang are driven 10–15 mph faster on average than sedans, per Edmunds.
Modified Vehicles: Loud exhausts, dark window tint (below 35% VLT), or lifted suspensions attract scrutiny. In California, illegal modifications account for 12% of stops.
Age of Vehicle: Older cars (10+ years) are pulled over 23% more often due to expired tags or equipment violations, per the Stanford Open Policing Project.

C. Time and Location

Peak Hours: 4–6 PM sees the most stops due to rush-hour traffic density.
Speed Traps: High-risk zones include school areas (reducing limits to 15–25 mph) and highway construction sites.
Ride-Sharing Hotspots: Urban districts like Los Angeles’ Downtown or Miami’s South Beach have increased enforcement for DUIs.

4. The Role of Unconscious Bias

While explicit targeting of red cars is unsupported, broader biases exist:

Racial Disparities: Black drivers are 20% more likely to be stopped than white drivers, per Stanford’s analysis of 100 million traffic stops.
Vehicle Age and Condition: Older cars with broken taillights or expired registrations are disproportionately stopped, often in lower-income neighborhoods.

5. Case Studies: Regional Traffic Stop Data

A. Arizona Department of Public Safety (2022)

50,000 Stops Analyzed:
- Red cars: 12% of stops (vs. 14% for white cars, the most common color).
- Primary violations: Speeding (31%), expired tags (19%), DUIs (15%).
- No correlation between color and stop likelihood after controlling for vehicle type.

B. European Analysis (UK, 2021)

Department for Transport Data: Silver cars (22%) and black cars (20%) were most common in stops, while red cars accounted for 12%.
Top Violations: Speeding (40%), followed by illegal parking (18%).

6. Why the Myth Persists

Media Reinforcement: Car advertisements, video games (Need for Speed), and movies (Baby Driver) glorify red cars in high-speed scenarios.
Social Media Anecdotes: Viral posts (e.g., “Cops hate my red Mustang!”) amplify rare cases without statistical context.
Psychological Anchoring: Once people believe the myth, they selectively notice red cars being stopped, ignoring counterexamples.

7. How to Avoid Getting Pulled Over

A. Proactive Measures

Obey Speed Limits: Use apps like Waze for real-time speed trap alerts.
Maintain Your Vehicle: Fix broken lights, replace expired tags, and repair windshield cracks.
Avoid Modifications: Steer clear of illegal tint, loud exhausts, or aftermarket lights.

B. During a Stop

Stay Calm: Keep hands visible, and avoid sudden movements.
Document the Interaction: Use a dashcam (legal in most states) to record encounters.
Know Your Rights: Politely ask for the reason for the stop, per ACLU guidelines.

8. The Financial Impact of Traffic Stops

Insurance Premiums: A single speeding ticket can raise rates by 22%, per Insurance.com.
Legal Fees: DUIs cost an average of $10,000 in fines, legal fees, and increased insurance.

Conclusion

Red cars are not pulled over more frequently than vehicles of other colors. The primary factors remain driver behavior, vehicle type, and location. While a red car might stand out in traffic, it’s the violation—not the color—that triggers a stop. By focusing on safe driving habits and vehicle maintenance, drivers of all car colors can reduce their risk of being pulled over.

Data Sources:

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