You think you’re a careful driver—until the flashing lights say otherwise. What did you do wrong? According to Chris Rike, it might be something subtle, like following too closely or cutting across lanes too quickly. These driving mistakes don’t just catch a police officer’s attention—they practically beg for a ticket.

Staying off a traffic cop’s radar isn’t about paranoia; it’s about driving smarter. Blend in, avoid risky moves, and you’ll cruise right past police. Next time you hit the road, remember Rike’s advice: don’t be the zebra that stands out.

Tailgating is the driving mistake police love to catch

Following too closely makes you an easy target for law enforcement. It’s dangerous and screams impatience. “If you’re following too closely and speeding, as well as making unsafe lane changes, it’s really going to catch [an officer’s] attention,” says Chris Rike.

Officers notice tailgating quickly because it increases the risk of accidents and suggests aggressive driving. Avoid this common mistake by keeping a safe distance from the car ahead.

Weaving through traffic is a driving mistake police won’t ignore

Cutting across lanes or zigzagging in traffic makes you stand out—and not in a good way. Rike explains, “If a police officer sees a car move quickly across his field of view, you better believe it’s gonna catch his attention.”

Lane-hopping looks unsafe and attracts tickets for aggressive driving or unsafe lane changes. Rike advises, “If you are gonna change lanes, put your blinker on, do it slowly, do one at a time.”

Speeding doesn’t always get you caught, but being the fastest car on the road will

Speeding alone isn’t always enough for a stop, but if you’re the fastest driver on the road, police will notice. “Think about it like you’re a zebra,” says Rike. “You don’t want to stand out from the herd.”

Even small speeds can be risky. Rike warns, “If you do speed, don’t speed by more than 5 miles an hour.” Major offenses—like going over 85 mph or exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph—almost guarantee a ticket.

Passing a police car is the easiest way to get their attention

Passing a cop or driving directly in front of one might seem harmless, but it’s a rookie driving mistake. “If I see a police officer coming up behind me, I might even make a turn I don’t need to,” Rike admits.

When you pass a cop, they’re more likely to notice you and start running your plates. “If a cop is behind you, they’re scrutinizing your driving,” Rike explains. Even minor issues, like expired tags, could lead to a stop.

Smart driving avoids police radar

Avoiding tickets isn’t about luck; it’s about avoiding the driving mistakes police notice. Tailgating, weaving, being the fastest car, or passing a cop are surefire ways to get pulled over.

Chris Rike’s advice is simple: “Don’t stand out. Don’t be the lone zebra.” Smart driving blends you into the flow of traffic, keeps you safe, and makes you less of a target.

For more of Chris Rike’s practical driving tips, check out the full video below: