Have you ever wondered, “What are the unmarked police car laws in Texas?” Or whether being pulled over by an unmarked police car in Texas is considered police entrapment or totally legal?
While it may seem like a dirty trick, there is nothing illegal about the use of unmarked police vehicles. You can be pulled over by an unmarked police car in Texas, and it can result in a valid arrest. Because of this, it’s important to understand a few things about ghost-marked patrol cars in Texas.
First things first, know how to spot an unmarked police car
When you’re driving at night and see a white car in the rearview mirror, sometimes paranoia can get the best of you, especially if you’ve been smoking weed in Texas. However, there are a few solid ways to spot an unmarked patrol car in Texas. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for:
- Full blackout tint
- “Exempt” license plate
- Grill guards
- Spotlights that look like extra mirrors
- An American-made car
Want more information? Check out our full article: “How do you know if a police car is unmarked?”
When can an unmarked police car in Texas pull you over?
The Texas transportation code for unmarked police vehicles allows for exemptions. Typically, police vehicles need to be marked with specific lettering and coloring. However, an exemption allows a vehicle to go unmarked.
But are the laws different when it comes to unmarked police cars pulling you over versus marked police cars? Not really.
Like in any other situation, a police officer needs a reason to pull you over — a reasonable suspicion that you have committed, are committing, or will commit a crime (like a DWI while parked in Texas). But when it comes to a pursuit in an unmarked vehicle, things work differently. An unmarked police vehicle can’t effectively pursue you if you don’t know they’re a police officer.
What to do if a police officer in an unmarked car pulls you over
If an unmarked police car is attempting to pull you over, there’s always the possibility that it’s not actually a police officer. Because of this, it’s important to practice caution.
Only pull over in a well-lit, public place. You don’t want to pull over on the side of a deserted road only to find out you’ve been stopped by someone impersonating a police officer. That’s how most episodes of Investigation Discovery start.
Another option is to call 911 and let them know what’s happening. They should be able to help you figure out whether or not the person attempting to pull you over is, in fact, a police officer. Once you’ve pulled over, ask the police officer to show his or her badge BEFORE you roll down your window.
Have you experienced a violation of unmarked police car laws in Texas? Contact Thiessen Law Firm.
Being pulled over by an unmarked police car in Texas can greatly impact your life, especially if you’ve been arrested for a DWI (check out how a DWI affects employment). If this is you, then you need a top-rated trial attorney, and Mark Thiessen is that guy. While it might seem unfair that an unmarked police car can pull you over, it doesn’t mean you don’t have options.
Give Thiessen Law Firm a call today and let us help you overcome this hurdle.
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