Why do police touch your tail light?

People often wonder why police officers touch the tail light of a vehicle when they are pulled over. This practice sprang from the risk that police officers are exposed to when on the road to implement traffic laws. read more

If you're wondering why cops touch specifically the tail light and not, for example, the trunk, it's because tapping the tail light keeps the police officer to the side of the vehicle and not directly behind it. This keeps the officer out of harm's way should the driver start to back up. read more

In the police academy we were trained to touch the tail light, trunk, bumper, etc. of any vehicle we approached for a couple of reasons. read more

However, some police departments are advising against this outdated ritual. In the dark, a taillight touch could "give away" a policeman's position and make him an easy target, especially if any of the occupants are carrying a loaded weapon. But, should your taillights get a good thumping the next time you get pulled over, at least you know why. read more

When police officers perform routine actions like touching your tail light, it can make you feel extremely nervous. You may be wondering if your vehicle is damaged or if the officer is extra-suspicious of you because you have done something seriously wrong. read more