Even unmarked police cars have plenty of subtle clues you can use to identify them on the road.

Police cars are some of the most recognizable vehicles on our roads. They come in different shapes and forms; some are quite fast for highway patrol duties, while others are efficient for city duties. But they all easily stand out with their bright colors or flashing lights. Most are often unassuming everyday cars once you peel off the markings. Yet some police departments like the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Police boast fleets of flashy police supercars in their ranks. But there is a category of police vehicles that intends to blend in with no visible outside markings indicating that they are cop cars.

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These unmarked police cars are used by law enforcement agencies while disguised to blend in with civilian vehicles. They participate in surveillance and undercover operations and may come equipped with special features such as hidden lights, cameras, and communication equipment. Since the goal is to blend in and avoid detection, they often have no markings or decals that might give away their police vehicle status. Still, you can use these tips to spot unmarked police cars.

Police Departments in America deploy vehicles of many makes and models. Knowing the type of police vehicle models used by your city department can help you identify the unmarked vehicles in their fleets. Many police departments widely adopt models like the Chevy Tahoe PPV, the Dodge Charger Pursuit, and the Ford Police Interceptor Utility.

Most unmarked police cars are the same make and model as the standard cruisers in the department. Keep an eye out for unmarked vehicles that closely resemble police cars, such as those with black-and-white paint jobs.

Another unmarked police car giveaway is the covered-up markings. You may spot a vinyl car wrap or nondescript colors that hide or cover up markings that identify them as law enforcement vehicles. These markings may include small decals on the side or rear of the car or even small light bars that are covered up and only activated when the vehicle gets back to regular law enforcement purposes.

Look for any paint discrepancies or signs that markings have been tampered with. Also, some departments may deploy non-reflective ghost graphics, and though they aren’t technically unmarked, they are practically invisible by day, helping create the perfect ghost cop car.

You can easily spot some police cars by their plates, which vary from City to City and State to State. Some jurisdictions require all police cars, marked and unmarked, to run city plates that look like every other plate on the road but with a special identifier.

The vehicle is registered to the city and will still have government or municipal plates. A good example is the city of Honolulu in Hawaii, where Car Throttle reports that all police cars featured city plates with an HPD inscribed on them.

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In most cases, unmarked police cars will still have special police equipment inside and outside. These include the same kind of extra gear used on regular police cars. If you give it a good look, you’ll spot police lights on the side mirrors or the grille.

Also, you might see a cage-like push bumper over the front bumper. Older police cars might come with an antenna on top, but technology has made them redundant. Still, some unmarked cars on undercover duty may have no equipment.

Unmarked police cars should follow the same traffic laws and regulations as any other vehicle on the road. But their driving behavior may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the situation. They may also use emergency equipment such as lights and sirens in certain situations, such as when responding to a call for service or pursuing a suspect.

They may exhibit certain behaviors that can be a tip-off, such as driving at a constant speed, making quick lane changes, or following a vehicle closely.

If you suspect the presence of an unmarked police vehicle, look for other indicators of law enforcement for confirmation. It might not be a faultless deduction, but sometimes unmarked police cars may accompany other law enforcement vehicles or personnel, such as marked police cars or officers on foot.

If the unmarked cars are part of a big operation, they will likely be in the company of other less conspicuous law enforcement vehicles.

Some unmarked police car occupants may display covert behavior and engage in covert behavior. They may not be visibly identifiable as police officers and may be attempting to blend in with the surrounding traffic. They may also be conducting surveillance or covertly gathering intelligence.

Undercover officers are highly trained professionals who safely conduct themselves for all parties involved, including the public, the suspects, and themselves. They are also subject to a legal framework that regulates their activity.

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You should always be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in your immediate area, such as unmarked cars parked near the side of the road or following you closely for an extended period.

Not all vehicles following you for an extended period are driven by criminals or pose a danger to you. If you believe a police car is following you for a long period, you should contact your local police for clarification and also confirm you aren’t in imminent danger.

There are about 18,000 police agencies in the United States, and laws regarding unmarked police vehicles vary by state and country, and some places have strict rules on how and when to use them. Police departments use unmarked police vehicles for specific purposes, and their use is subject to oversight and review.

It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the laws in your area so you know what to look for and expect.

Sources: MotorBiscuit, CarThrottle, MechanicBase, HotCars

Bryan is a content marketer who works as a staff writer for HotCars.com where he covers a variety of topics, from the first Motorwagen to the latest Electric vehicles. A writer by day and a programmer by night. When he is not writing about cars, catch him tinkering with his old motorcycle.