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Why do police touch the back of a car?
Why do police touch the trunk before a traffic stop?
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Why do police touch a vehicle's taillight when pulling a driver over?
Jul 13, 2021 · Ever get pulled over and wonder why the officer who's performing the traffic stop touched the back of your car? We have the answer here.
- Mustafa Gatollari
- Overview
- Why do police officers touch the back of a car?
- Should you worry if a cop does this?
- What to Do When You’re Pulled Over
Everything you need to know about why police officers touch the back of a car during a traffic stop
Why do police officers touch the back of a car?
Should you worry if a cop does this?
You’ve seen it in movies, TV shows, and maybe even in real life: a cop touching the back of a car during a traffic stop. If it’s such a common practice, it must mean something, right? Right! In this article, we’ll teach you why police officers touch the trunk or back taillight before approaching a driver during a traffic stop (plus what you should do if this happens to you).
A cop most likely touches the back of a car to leave proof that they’ve been near the vehicle.
Some officers may tap the top of a trunk to check if it’s closed.
There’s no way for an officer to know exactly how a traffic stop will go. By touching the back of the car before approaching the driver, the officer leaves behind a bit of evidence to say, “I was here.” This way, if the driver fled or harmed the officer, the car could be tied to the crime.
In light of this, a cop may also place a hand on the car's roof while talking to the driver.
Nowadays, dashboard camera footage is used for the majority of evidence in traffic stop incidents, but the practice of placing a fingerprint on a car remains in case technology fails.
There’s no law demanding an officer to leave behind a fingerprint, so it’s up to the precinct, department, or officer’s discretion to do so or not.
To ensure the trunk is closed
Before 2002, car trunks didn’t have a safety latch, which meant that if someone were to hide inside, they would have to keep the trunk propped open to avoid being trapped. Officers would press on the trunk before approaching the driver to make sure they wouldn’t be attacked from behind. If an officer was trained before 2002, they may still touch the trunk of the car out of habit.
Nope, there’s no need to worry if a cop touches the back of your car.
Whether you’re being pulled over or you witness a traffic stop, a police officer means no harm when they touch the trunk or taillight. They’re simply following protocol, ensuring everyone’s safety, and/or sticking to a habit.
You have a right to stay silent and deny a vehicle search unless the officer has probable cause. If you’re arrested or detained, you can ask for a lawyer and remain silent.
If you’re a passenger, you can ask the officer if you’re free to leave (and then do so quietly if you are).
If you believe your rights were violated, write down or document everything you remember about the incident, including the officer (s)’s badge number (s), and then
with the department’s internal affairs division.
Learn more about your rights by visiting
Follow the officer’s instructions. If the police officer asks for your license, registration, and proof of insurance, offer it without hesitation. It’s always better to be cooperative, even if you’ve done something wrong, as the situation is more likely to go in your favor if you keep your cool. [6]
Aug 15, 2019 · After a tense few moments, a police officer steps out of the car and calmly walks toward the driver. As they approach the rear of the vehicle, the officer taps the left-hand taillight with...
- Sam Benson Smith
Dec 29, 2021 · US police officers touch a vehicle's taillight when they pull a driver over for many reasons. 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.
Aug 29, 2022 · Here are three reasons why cops touch the backs of cars during traffic stops: Ensure that the vehicle’s trunk is closed; Leave fingerprint evidence to prove the police officer was at the scene; Startle drivers in possession of prohibited items; Police officers still follow the practice of touching the taillight or another part of the back of ...
- Staff Writer, Producer-Suvs
Jul 30, 2022 · The police officer approaches the trunk of the car on the driver’s side and places one hand on the back end. By doing so, they ensure that the trunk is closed and that no one will jump out of...
Mar 24, 2024 · Ever been stopped by a police officer and wondered why he touched your tail lights as he approached the vehicle? Turns out there are a couple good reasons.
