Picture this: you’re cruising down the road, windows down, feeling cool. Suddenly, flashing lights appear in your mirror. You weren’t speeding. So, what caught the police officer’s attention? It might be your car mods. Here are four common modifications that make your ride a police magnet—and how to avoid trouble.

Too-loud exhaust systems

That deep rumble or ear-splitting roar might sound impressive, but cops hear it differently. “Keep your car quiet,” says attorney Chris Rike when explaining how to avoid getting pulled over. “How often have you been sitting at an intersection, waiting at a red light, and you hear [a] super-loud car? It really catches your attention.” Rike explains that police often notice these vehicles and think, “Is this person racing? Is this an exhibition of speed?”

How to avoid trouble: Stick to exhaust systems within your local noise ordinances. Loud cars may turn heads, but they also invite tickets.

Illegal window tints

Dark, limo-style tints might look sleek, but they make officers suspicious. But some tint may save you a ticket. “Nowadays, we have laws that make texting and holding your phone illegal,” Rike explains. “Police officers observing you in your car [are] seeing what you’re doing.” Dark tints can also make it harder for officers to ensure drivers are wearing seatbelts or not hiding contraband.

How to avoid trouble: “Get a dark but legal tint on your vehicle,” advises Rike. Every state has specific rules for window tinting. Check them before installing darker tints.

Over-the-top paint jobs

Bright colors and flashy wraps make a car unforgettable—and not in a good way. Rike compares it to standing out in the wild: “Think about it like you’re a zebra. You don’t want to stand out from the pack. You don’t want to be that lone zebra off that catches the police officer’s eye.”

How to avoid trouble: Neutral colors like black, gray, or white keep you blending in. If you love bright colors, drive carefully. No speeding or weaving—anything noticeable could get you pulled over.

Underglow lights

Neon underglow lights scream “Fast & Furious.” But many states have strict rules against them. Even where they’re legal, police may stop you to check compliance. Rike notes that visible mods like these give officers a reason to pull you over and look for other violations.

How to avoid trouble: Save the underglow for private events. Or at least turn it off while driving public roads.

Blend in to avoid getting pulled over

Chris Rike advises keeping your car “quiet,” “discreet,” and in good repair. Police often pull drivers over for flashy mods, then find other violations. Avoid being the zebra that stands out. Stay legal, and you’ll save yourself the headache of unnecessary stops.

See the rest of Rike’s advice to avoid getting pulled over in the video embedded below: