🚗 What Car Colors Get the Most Tickets?

Take the Quiz!

We’ve all heard the rumor: “Red cars get pulled over more.”
But is it true? Or is it just one of those driving myths that never seems to go away? Let’s have some fun with the facts.

Quiz Time 🎉

Question 1:
Which car color racks up the most traffic tickets in the U.S.?

A) Red

B) White

C) Black

👉 Answer: It’s white cars! But not because they’re “targeted.” White is simply the most popular car color on the road, making up about 25–30% of all vehicles. Naturally, more tickets follow.

Question 2:
True or False: Red cars are unfairly singled out by police officers.

👉 Answer: False. Studies show officers don’t go after red cars on purpose. Red cars do get 16% of tickets, but that’s mainly because red is popular for sporty models driven by younger, riskier drivers—not because of color bias.

Question 3:
Which “neutral” colors are next in line for the most tickets?

A) Silver and Gray

B) Black and Blue

C) Green and Yellow

👉 Answer: Silver and Gray! Each accounts for around 9–10% of tickets, right in line with how common these colors are on the road.

Bonus Question:
If you wanted to drive a color that rarely shows up in ticket stats, which would you choose?

A) Yellow

B) Beige

C) Both

👉 Answer: Both! These uncommon colors tend to fly under the radar, making up less than 5% of citations. But remember—your driving habits matter far more than your paint job.

Why the Disparity?

• Prevalence matters: White and neutral colors dominate sales, so they rack up more tickets overall.
• Red’s reputation: Red cars may skew slightly higher per car, but that’s tied to demographics—sporty models, younger drivers, and riskier habits.
• No police bias: Surveys confirm officers don’t target colors. Stops are based on speed, weaving, or tailgating.
• Crash risk vs. tickets: For accidents (not citations), black cars fare worse at night due to low visibility, but that’s unrelated to ticketing.

The Takeaway 📝

When it comes to traffic stops, it’s not really about color—it’s about behavior. Speeding, tailgating, weaving, and distracted driving are what draw attention. So whether your car is red, white, black, or bright yellow, the safest way to avoid a ticket is to drive smart.

At In and Out Traffic School, we’re here to help drivers sharpen their skills and stay safe (no matter what color car you drive!). Sign up today!