Myth Busting: Do Red Cars Get Pulled Over More?

Headlights and hood of red car

Have you ever heard that red cars get pulled over more? Is this a myth our parents told us to keep us from getting red cars, or is it really true? We’ll explore what experts and researchers say about this common claim.

Do Red Cars Get Pulled Over More?

So, do red cars get pulled over more? People tend to think that the police pull red vehicles over more because they stand out, but this is a myth!

White cars actually get pulled over the most! Red comes in second, with gray and silver taking third and fourth place, respectively. 

It is important to remember that your risk for being pulled over is far more dependent on your driving behavior than the make and model of your car. Drivers with a heavy foot or young, speedy drivers are more likely to be pulled over regardless of what type of vehicle they drive. 

Sports vehicles are more likely to be pulled over due to aggressive driving. Police looking to pull cars over are looking more for certain driving behaviors than the color of your vehicle. Driving behaviors that police look for include:

  • Speeding and aggressive driving
  • Appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Distracted driving
  • Using cell phones while driving
  • Road hazards from vehicles

Do Red Cars Get in More Accidents?

Believe it or not, the color of your vehicle may be linked to the likelihood of car accidents. Research cited within Reader’s Digest indicated that black cars are the most likely to be involved in crashes. This trend seems to be a result of the visibility associated with a dark color. Black cars can blend in, especially at night, making them harder to spot on the road.

Gray and silver-colored vehicles are the next most likely to get into car accidents due to visibility issues. While red is not the color with the highest chance of an accident, it still poses some risk and could confuse drivers if surrounding road signs and warnings are also red.

Should You Consider Color as a Factor in Your Car Buying Process?

If you’re concerned about safety, you can definitely consider the color of your car in your buying choice. The safest car color is white because it provides adequate contrast between the vehicle and its surroundings. People love white vehicles due to their classy appearance, too, so it’s a win-win.

The next safest color option, if white isn’t your thing, are shades of yellow. The boldness of bright yellow helps the car stand out on the road and enhances overall safety.

Though white is safer and luxurious, it may be more likely to be pulled over. However, this is not something that should necessarily be a cause for concern if you drive according to the laws of the road. Factoring in color as a safety concern when buying a car is far more important than the risk of getting pulled over.

Contact Valley Collision

Looking for a paint change on your existing vehicle? Check out Valley Collision for our state-of-the-art body, frame, and paint facilities within the downtown Salt Lake City region. Upload pictures of your vehicle to get a free quote today!

Check your Auto Body Repair Status on carwise.com