Florida Law Regarding Unmarked Police Vehicles
Most drivers and pedestrians can spot a police car from a mile away by its black and white paint, bold font, and trademark red and blue emergency lights. But there are some police cars that don’t have these distinctive characteristics, making it easier for drivers to miss them sitting on the side of the road or highway.
If an unmarked car tries to pull you over, some drivers get nervous because they’re not sure if it’s an official police car.
What is an unmarked vehicle?
An unmarked vehicle is an official police car with no distinguishing colors or emblems but still outfitted with emergency equipment, such as lights and a siren. The Florida Highway Patrol permits the use of unmarked vehicles within certain guidelines.
Can you get pulled over by an unmarked vehicle in Florida?
If a Florida policeman is in an unmarked vehicle and they see a car going several miles over the speed limit, then it is legal for them to pull over that driver. Selective speeding enforcement, truck enforcement, aggressive driving, and intersection enforcement are all legal reasons for an unmarked police vehicle to pull over a driver, according to Florida law.
What should drivers do if an unmarked vehicle tries to pull them over?
Quite a bit of suspicion often surrounds unmarked police vehicles because drivers are afraid of the possibility that it might not be an actual police officer. Red and blue car lights are easily purchased, and people have used these in the past to pull over drivers and rob or assault them.
If you’re unsure if the unmarked vehicle is a real policeman, the first thing you should do is try finding a well-lit and busy area to pull into. Never pull over into a secluded or dark area as this makes it more difficult to see if it’s a real police officer or someone attempting to rob you.
When to call 911
As soon as you’re able to safely pull over, you should call 911 and notify the dispatcher that you have been pulled over by an unmarked vehicle. If your car is equipped with the ability to make a phone call without physically reaching for a cell phone, consider calling 911 before pulling over.
Florida drivers should be sure to note the make, model, and license plate, if possible, to give to the dispatcher so that they can track the car that pulled the driver over. If the unmarked vehicle is legitimate, then it’s safe for you to stay where you are and wait for the dispatcher to give further instructions.
If the vehicle is not a registered police car, then the dispatcher can have help sent to you. Remember that it’s important to remain calm any time a vehicle tries to pull you over and to call the necessary authorities when it’s safe to do so.
George Lorenzo has been practicing law for nearly 30 years. He is a co-founder of Lorenzo & Lorenzo, a Tampa, FL personal injury law, specializing in auto accident cases and more.
