Why Do Police Touch The Back Of Your Car When They Pull You Over?

Home » Why Do Police Touch Your Car When Pulled Over » Why Do Police Touch The Back Of Your Car When They Pull You Over?

Maybe your like

The US Sun

More from The Sun

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

POLICE officers will ask a motorist for their license and registration during a traffic stop as part of procedure.

But why do officers touch the back of your car? Here’s everything you need to know.

Sign up for The US Sun newsletter

Thank you!

Email address

Please provide a valid email.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email.

A police officer touching the back of your taillight is a common police actionCredit: Getty

Why do police touch the back of your car when they pull you over?

US police officers touch a vehicle’s taillight when they pull a driver over for many reasons.

Advertisement

According to Law Dictionary, before cameras were installed on the dashboards of most police vehicles, tapping the taillight was a way for officers to leave behind evidence of the encounter.

If something were to happen to the officer during the traffic stop, their interaction with the driver could be traced back to the fingerprints.

This would then help other police officers track down a missing member of the force even without video proof of a crime.

Read More in US News

FINN FUN

Finland’s PM dances & grinds on model in new footage after party video leaks

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

Weatherman named Andrew Tate flooded with abuse meant for vile kickboxer

The fingerprints would only be utilized if the interaction between the driver and the cop led to a criminal investigation, like a car accident or shooting.

Trooper Steve Montiero backed up this theory by telling News 6: “When law enforcement officers conduct a traffic stop, there are plenty of procedures that need to be done, not only for the safety of the violator, but for the safety of that officer.

“One of those things is proving that, the officer was with that car. So when officers approach a vehicle, they touch the rear of it.”

Another reason an officer may tap the taillight is to startle the driver.

Most read in News

TIME TO ACT

Fury as Keir still 'considering' sending warship to Cyprus after airstrike

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows NINTCHDBPICT001063586146, Image 2 shows New Epstein images released by U.S. Justice Department, Image 3 shows New Epstein images released by U.S. Justice Department PAEDO PAL

Tense moment Bill Clinton is asked if he believes Epstein killed himself

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows NINTCHDBPICT001063602062, Image 2 shows NINTCHDBPICT001063602063 DESPOT’S DEMISE

Iranians film themselves doing the ‘Trump dance’ after death of Ayatollah

VLAD’S PLANS

Ukraine reveals ‘Russian war plans’ that show conflict lasting another year

Cops are aware that when they pull people over, some drivers may have illegal substances or prohibited items in their cars like guns, ammunition, or drugs.

Advertisement

Naturally, if the driver does have something illegal in the vehicle, he or she will want to hide it before the officer approaches the window.

So, one of the reasons why cops touch taillights are to startle the person inside.

The driver is likely not expecting the noise of the tap – which typically causes him or her to stop for a moment, giving the police officer additional time to witness what the driver is trying to hide.

Police officers face danger every time they put on the uniform and may tap the backend to make sure they aren’t ambushed.

Cops may touch the back of your motor on the way to your window to make sure the trunk is latched.

Advertisement

This tactic ensures that no one is hiding in the trunk and could pop out.

Trooper Montiero said: “It may sound a little crazy, but you want to make sure that no one is about to jump out of the trunk and that it’s properly secured.”

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU MORE FOR YOU

MORE FROM THE SUN

UP IN FLAMES

Moment burning ‘ghost car’ leaves trail of fire as it drives itself down road

THE empty sedan shocked commuters as it blazed its way through a busy city intersection.

News

LOVE ISN’T IN THE AIR

Moment couple having furious lovers' spat are hauled off plane

THE pair turned their anger onto flight crew after they tried to intervene

News Breaking

HORROR DEATH

Husband, 19, shoots wife, 24, & self dead moments after welcoming first child

News

MAKE THE POST OF IT

USPS tells American homeowners 'they need to buy new mailboxes'

THE struggling U.S. Postal Service recently reported a net quarterly loss of $1.25 billion.

News

Tag » Why Do Police Touch Your Car When Pulled Over