Think you’re safe from getting pulled over just because you’re following the speed limit? Think again. Police notice more than just how fast you’re driving. Your car, your habits, and even how loud your exhaust is can make you a target to police. Attorney Chris Rike shares, “A flashy car with a loud exhaust is going to catch attention every time.”

Want to stay under the radar? Start with basic vehicle maintenance. “Keep your car in good repair. Make sure your headlights, taillights, and blinkers work because these can be used as a pretext to pull you over,” Rike explains. A busted taillight might seem like no big deal, but it’s basically an invitation for a police officer to target you and dig deeper.

Next, consider your car’s vibe. Some vehicles scream for attention—and not in a good way. “Drive a discreet car. Consider something like a gray station wagon instead of a fluorescent green Lamborghini,” Rike says. Bright colors, sporty styles, and flashy designs are more likely to catch a cop’s eye than a low-key ride. The numbers back him up: red cars make up just 7% of new vehicles sold, but get 16% of all traffic citations.

Noise matters too. “Keep your car quiet. A loud exhaust is like a magnet for attention—it’s going to turn heads, including the police’s,” Rike adds. A rumbling muffler might sound cool to you, but it can also make police target you for a traffic stop.

Finally, be cautious of how you drive. “Think about it like you’re a zebra—you don’t want to stand out from the pack,” Rike advises. That means no weaving in and out of traffic, no sudden lane changes, and definitely no speeding past everyone else. Even if the whole pack is moving above the limit, being the fastest car on the road makes you an easy target.

Police may target the car you drive

Certain car brands and models seem to attract more police attention. A study by Insurify found that drivers of Infiniti vehicles are the most frequently ticketed, with the sporty G37 coupe topping the list. Scion drivers also see high ticket rates, especially those in the FR-S. Other frequent offenders include the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Subaru WRX, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and the Audi S4.

Why these cars? Some argue it’s not the cars themselves but the drivers who choose them—often younger or sportier individuals. Still, reputation matters. Cars like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Kia Stinger also make the list, suggesting police may associate certain models with riskier behavior and target those drivers more often.

Staying off a cop’s radar isn’t just about obeying traffic laws. Keep your car quiet, well-maintained, and discreet to avoid unnecessary stops. As Chris Rike says, “The less you stand out, the less likely you are to get pulled over.”

See more of Chris Rike’s advice for avoiding being pulled over in the video below: