I get it, your car is your baby. You want to customize it, name it, and have some fun. But one way to avoid getting noticed by police officers involves blending in. Some vanity car mods will make you stick out like a sore thumb. 

1. Equipment that resembles police mods 

There are plenty of cool light bars, spotlights, push bars, and grille guards that can give your ride a tough, rugged look. However, if it looks like you’re impersonating a police officer with blue lights or search lights, you could be in for trouble. 

Some of these accessories are illegal. Neon lights are often banned due to their potential to confuse other drivers. Plus, strobes mimic emergency vehicles. Keep in mind that lights get even more attention at night. 

2. Decals and ghost graphics 

The more unique your car is, the more memorable it is. Covering your car in an insane amount of stickers and decals can get you recognized by officers. Especially if they block your windows and impede your visibility. 

Also, police cars and other emergency vehicles typically use ghost graphics to blend in. They could be unmarked vehicles with graphics that are only visible from certain angles. You don’t want to get caught with a similar appearance. 

3. Vanity license plates 

There’s nothing like having a personalized license plate to let other drivers know what’s up. However, they are more likely to get noticed by traffic cops. If you stand out in their memory, then they might be more likely to run your plates. 

Plus, law enforcement is cracking down on fake plates. Modified or fake plates can be used to avoid tolls. According to CBS News, these decorative plates are also used by criminals who want to avoid detection while committing a crime. 

Also, plate frames and automatic covers can be an issue. They draw attention and can block information that can’t be legally covered. 

4. Window tint 

There are plenty of good reasons to tint your windows. Maybe you want some privacy or to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. But going too dark can be illegal. You may look suspicious and could be ticketed. 

The amount of legal window tinting drivers are allowed to have varies by state. For example, in North Carolina, your windows can’t have less than 35% of visible light passing through. In New York, 70% of visible light must pass through. 

5. Being loud 

In the south, being loud can mean you’re proud. But if your car is too loud, you might have a problem. Exhaust mods that are louder than the original equipment are illegal in some states. Plus, the mods could disable or alter emissions levels, making your ride illegal. 

Also, your stereo system can be too loud. We’ve all been annoyed in traffic by a car that’s so loud it vibrates as it cruises by. This can cause you to get tickets for being, you guessed it, too loud. Certain areas might have noise ordinances and quiet hours to abide by. 

6. That lift kit 

You can ride mighty, but not too high. States have safety regulations to limit the height of lift kits. In Georgia, lift kits can’t exceed frame heights of 27, 30, or 31 inches based on size and weight. 

Lifting a vehicle too high can cause your headlights to blind other drivers, increase your rollover risk, and compromise visibility. Some states are banning the California lean or Carolina Squat due to reduced stability and visibility. 

Plus, some states also limit how low your suspension can be. Cars that are lowered too much can damage the road and the surrounding infrastructure. 

7. Radar devices and jammers 

Tech related to radar, lasers, and jammers is illegal in certain states, but these devices can be difficult to spot in your grille or interior. Radar devices that are placed on your dash can get you ticketed due to obstructing your view. 

Laser jammers block the lasers from laser guns used to track your vehicle’s speed. This may result in a ticket or fine that’s more expensive than a simple citation for speeding. Also, radar devices let you know where cops are in the area. 

Also, installing these devices in commercial or fleet vehicles is completely illegal. Make sure your drivers follow the laws.