You might not see a cop car lurking, but the police are always watching. There are simple mistakes and maintenance errors that can increase your risk of getting spotted and pulled over. Here are a few probable reasons for the police to stop you. 

Three small yet probable reasons for a cop to pull you over 

A police officer can’t legally pull you over unless he or she has probable cause to do so. A few maintenance issues based on your car’s appearance can provide probable cause and increase the risk of getting pulled over. 

1. A broken headlight or taillight

If you have a broken headlight or taillight you might stick out to the cops. Your headlight or taillight might be burned out instead of broken, but that can still be an issue. 

Driving with a broken light is illegal and it’s a non-moving violation, meaning it’s a tickable offense. In some states, you can use a makeshift solution such as using a red lens, repair tape, or temporary light covers to comply with the law until your car’s taillight is fixed.

A broken headlight or taillight can reduce viability for the driver and other motorists. It can also prevent other drivers from knowing your intentions or being aware that you’re braking, increasing the risk of being rear-ended. 

2. Illegal modifications 

Some SUVs have modifications that are considered to be illegal, giving cops instant probable cause to pull you over. 

For example, depending on your state, it may be illegal to have your front windows tinted. In North Carolina, it’s illegal to have a tint that’s darker than 32% with a window tint meter. A tint must allow for 70% of light transmission. 

In NC, it’s also illegal to smoke your taillights or to tint them. The cover of your license plate can’t be tinted, either. 

In many states, muffler cut-outs and openings in exhaust systems are illegal if they release too much noise. You must have an exhaust or muffler system that’s in working order, but if it’s excessively loud, you could be stopped and fined. 

3. Lazy driving mistakes 

There are a number of bad driving habits that make you stand out to the police. For example, you don’t have to be speeding to get stopped. 

You might be stopped for small things, such as the failure to use your turn signal before merging, not wearing your seatbelt, or failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. 

Accidentally running a red light, making a u-turn where it’s posted not to, turning right red where posted signs tell you not to, aggressively tailgating, or swerving can catch a police officer’s attention.