Why Do Police Touch Your Tail Light?

Last updated on March 16, 2023

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Have you ever been driving, and the police pulled you over, only to have the police officer come up to your window and touch your tail light? It might seem strange for an officer of the law, but there's a good reason they do it. Read on to find out why police officers touch your tail light and what effects this practice can have for both the driver and the officer.

What Happens When the Police Asks You To Pull Over

When the police ask you to pull over, you may notice a few things. First, the officer may turn on their lights and sirens. The officer may also drive behind you for a short period before pulling you over.

Once the officer stops you, you may hear a knocking on your vehicle. Typically, the reason for this is that the officer uses their knuckles to check for contraband. In some cases, the officer may also use a flashlight to look inside the car.

The officer will ask you to step out of the car. Sometimes, the officer may need to search the vehicle without your consent. In other cases, they will want to ask you a few questions.

Finally, you may notice that the officer runs their hand along the length of the taillight. This step allows the officer to check for any damage caused by an accident. As they do so, they may check the lights to see if they are working correctly.

The Origin of Tail Light Touching

The practice of touching a car's tail light started with horse-drawn buggies. Usually, when a police officer wanted to pull over a buggy, they would tap on the driver's shoulder or wave their hand to get their attention.

However, this didn't work very well because buggy drivers couldn't always hear the police officer or see them waving. As technology advanced, vehicles acquired tail lamps in the early days of the 20th Century. The law adapted and developed the habit of touching the tail light. That way, the driver would be more aware and know when to pull over.

In addition, police would touch the tail light to leave proof that a traffic stop had occurred. This step was a way to prevent the driver from later claiming that they didn't get stopped. Nowadays, with cameras and GPS, this isn't necessary anymore, but some police departments still do it as a matter of policy. Other members of the law may do it for their safety to ensure the driver has no weapons in reach.

Why Do Police Still Touch Tail Lights Today?

Despite the police having plenty of technology at their disposal, many officers still routinely touch tail lights when they pull people over. But why do police touch the car? There are a few reasons for this.

To Disrupt a Driver’s Concentration

There have been numerous cases where drivers have tried to flee the scene after getting pulled over. In some cases, the drivers are under the influence or may have a warrant out for their arrest.

Regardless, when a police officer is approaching a car to make a stop, they want to avoid the possibility that the driver will try to speed away or attempt to hide evidence. One way to help prevent this is to touch the taillight of the car before approaching the window. This way, the driver will not be as focused had the officer not startled the driver.

To See if the Driver Is Armed

Several reasons permit the law to pull over a vehicle, such as if there is a suspicion that a crime has been committed by the occupants. These instances have a high potential for some drivers panicking and reaching for a gun instead of cooperating.

Rather than expose themselves to unnecessary risk, an officer may approach from the rear. Doing so allows them to get a better view of the driver and any potential weapons by touching the taillight.

To Get the Driver's Attention

In some cases, the driver may be distracted or unable to hear the police officer approaching. A quick knock on the taillight may be sufficient to draw their attention. This approach is fundamental in cases where the driver is under the influence and doesn't respond appropriately to visual cues.

To Look for Weapons

Another reason police officers may touch your tail light is to look for weapons hidden in the car. Sometimes, the driver may have a weapon concealed in their waistband or under their seat. By touching the taillight, the officer can quickly gauge the reaction of the driver before they start a more thorough search.

To Look for Drugs

In some cases, the police officer may touch the tail light to look for hidden drugs or similar suspicious objects. Vehicle searches are frequent in areas where trafficking is known to occur and when there is suspicion of drug-impaired driving.

To Check the Brake Lights

One common answer to the question “why do police touch the car?” is that the police are performing a brake light check. Officers may use this method to check your car’s lights are working correctly. In some cases, the driver may have a broken tail light or a brake light that isn't working correctly. It can be a safety hazard for both the driver and other motorists on the road.

To Check for Damage

When there is suspicion of vehicle damage, an officer may use this method to physically examine a car. This step is prevalent in hit-and-run accidents. If an officer confirms there is damage, they may decide that the vehicle is no longer safe to drive.

To Look for Contraband

Depending on the situation, the police officer may touch the tail light to look for contraband hidden in the car, especially if a vehicle gets pulled over in an area where smuggling is known to occur. Smugglers tend to be very creative in how they hide suspicious objects. Given that, police have developed the habit of identifying potential hiding places, such as the tail light.

To Check the Lights

Another potential cause is a light check. In some cases, the driver may have a broken tail light or a brake light that isn't working. It can be a safety hazard for both the driver and other motorists on the road. In that context, an officer can quickly check to see if the lights are working correctly by touching the taillight.

It's a Habit

Some officers touch the tail light simply because they have made this a habit and nothing more. After years of doing this, it becomes second nature, and they may not even realize that they are doing it. This possibility might be more common in small towns and rural areas.

Is Touching Tail Light Legal?

Now that you know why police officers touch your tail light, you may be wondering if this practice is legal. The answer to this question depends on the situation. There are several instances where the law may have probable cause to search the car without the driver's consent. Otherwise, the officer will likely need to obtain a warrant before they are able to examine a vehicle.

If a police officer ever pulls you over, it is essential to remain calm and respectful. In particular, you must not run away, resist arrest, or appear hostile. If the officer asks to search your car, you can always refuse. However, remember that the officer may disregard your objections if they have probable cause.

It is also important to remember that you always have the right to remain silent. That ensures you can refrain from answering any questions without a lawyer present. After an arrest, you should always ask to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions.

What To Do if the Police Forcefully Searches Your Car

If the police officer searches your car without your consent, you might have grounds to file a complaint. You may also want to contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Of course, there are instances where a police department could say they have probable cause to search your car. However, this doesn't always mean that the search is legal. You should contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options if you believe it was illegal.

Final Thoughts

So, why do police touch the car? Just like being pulled over, the police have a myriad of reasons for engaging in this practice. They might suspect a serious crime, like drug smuggling or gun possession, and thus want to startle the driver or determine if there are hidden objects. Or, they may have observed damage to your vehicle and want to check your lights are working. Whatever the reason, a police officer may touch your tail light.

No matter why they do it, it’s crucial to remain calm and remember that you have fundamental rights that deserve respect.

POLICE

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