How much can a car look like a cop car before it's illegal?

Question

Today while I was driving, I saw a car that looked exactly like a cop car. It had the spot light, lights on the top of the car (looked exactly like a police officer's lights but they weren't turned on), and the logos on the car were designed to look like a cop car at first glance.

The car didn't say police anywhere on it, but it had the number 2 on it in the spot where police cars have their car number, and they had a logo on the side of a police officer's badge without anything written on the badge. It looked so much like a cop car that you would completely think it was a cop if the car was behind you, and even when you look at the side of the car, it would take you several seconds to realize that it wasn't a cop.

Answer 1

Probably depends on what state you're in.

Answer 2

To my knowledge, as long as the emblem or car doesn't say police, show official law enforcement logos (such as state trooper or FBI, etc) and the lights (if they are in fact red and blue LED) are not turned on, this is not impersonating a law enforcement officer. It is most likely a private security company as there are a few of those types of cruisers where I live. It might also be some punk that thinks he's cool because their car looks like a police car. Either way, there's nothing really illegal about it. Now if the light bar was on and it caused a disturbance on the road, this could be a punishable crime of disturbing the peace or impersonating an officer. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

In my jurisdiction, it isn't impersonating an officer until either (a) the person brandishes official logos or symbols of the police and intends to pass themselves off as an officer or (b) claims to be an officer and intends to pass themselves off as an officer. Intent is very important (think Halloween).



If you look at security vehicles, they are extremely close in appearance to police cars, but do not attempt to pass themselves off as officers.

Answer 4

It in all probability relies upon on the place you reside. In San Diego, most of the previous police autos get bought at public sale and different than having the sunshine bars and the city insignia bumped off, they nevertheless seem merely like typical police autos. basically police autos can legally have the crimson and blue flashers, yet you should in all probability get away with the different shade. merely observe, that in case you attempt to end/pull over everyone, you should be charged with impersonating an officer - to no longer point out some human beings do carry weapons of their autos and would possibly no longer take gently to being fooled.

Answer 5

Thats a Security company car.Theres no Police decals so theres no crime.Security Companys only have rights to apprehend a thief on the property of contracted business.