Question for a LEO

[BigBear]

Can an unmarked car pull you over for a traffic violation?

No, I didn't get pulled over or anything, just a question that came up during a conversation. I was always under the impression that for safety reasons a traffic unit must be marked with insignia, etc...

Thoughts?

Thanks.

[crays]

If you think about it, you can probably remember seeing unmarked cars involved in traffic stops, at least on the interstate. I know I've seen a few.

[TFOGGER]

Unmarked cars pull people over all the time up here. I don't agree with the practice for the reasons you mention (safety), as well as simply being a form of revenue enhancement.

[fitz19d]

Fort Collins unmarked giant suv got me once by running up on my little vw tail gaiting until i sped up.

[Doc45]

Cars, pickups, suv, most if not all Dept.s in the metro area use them in their traffic units. If you're ever not convinced it's for real get on the cell immediately to 911 and request a marked unit. Also the 911 operator can confirm the stop as well.

[cstone]

As stated, unmarked vehicles with the proper emergency equipment (primarily red and blue lights) are frequently used for traffic enforcement, and the State Patrol is one of the biggest users of unmarked vehicles for traffic.

To the best of my knowledge, it is illegal for non-law enforcement to have red and blue lights in their vehicle. This law was changed within the past few years due to impersonation cases.

When in doubt, call 911 while driving at a safe speed to a populated area before pulling over. The dispatcher should be able to confirm that the car pulling you over is a genuine police officer.

Hope this helps.

[NFATrustGuy]

I don't have exact numbers, but based on what I've seen I'd have to guess that almost half the police cars in Loveland are unmarked. Fully 80% of the traffic stops I see are by unmarked police cars. Pro tip: Don't speed between 37th Street and 57th Street along Taft Avenue in Loveland!

Edit: In contrast, if you'd like to speed with very little chance of being caught, I routinely see any number of people fly through my neighborhood at NASCAR inspired speeds. The only threat to your high speed run would be narrow streets and a bunch of Buick-driving octogenarians backing out of their driveways.

[Irving]

I accidentally sprayed my hose into the passenger side window of a vehicle speeding up my street the other day.

[beast556]

I don't have exact numbers, but based on what I've seen I'd have to guess that almost half the police cars in Loveland are unmarked. Fully 80% of the traffic stops I see are by unmarked police cars. Pro tip: Don't speed between 37th Street and 57th Street along Taft Avenue in Loveland!

Edit: In contrast, if you'd like to speed with very little chance of being caught, I routinely see any number of people fly through my neighborhood at NASCAR inspired speeds. The only threat to your high speed run would be narrow streets and a bunch of Buick-driving octogenarians backing out of their driveways.

+1 atleast half of there traffic enforcement vehicles are unmarked. Saw a car pulled over last weekend by a red minivan.

[Irving]

Maybe they should go the speed limit and it wouldn't be a problem.