Driving habits that appear legal but may still lead to police stops

Hidden traffic rules that get you stopped

Many drivers get pulled over for things they didn’t know were against the law, such as minor car modifications or everyday habits. These minor rules vary from state to state, making them challenging to follow everywhere you drive.

Police officers can use a minor violation as a legal reason, or a “pretext,” to stop a vehicle and investigate something else they suspect may be occurring. Knowing the specific details of these state laws is essential to avoid a traffic stop, even if you are usually a safe driver.

Hanging objects can block your view

Having items hanging from your rearview mirror, such as fuzzy dice or air fresheners, can lead to a police stop. These objects are often considered an obstruction to the driver’s clear view in states like Michigan, California, and Pennsylvania.

As of January 1, 2024, Illinois police are legally prohibited from stopping a car solely because of a hanging object, such as an air freshener. This change was specifically made to prevent racial profiling and the use of minor laws for pretextual traffic stops.

Unsecured pets are distractions

Driving with an unrestrained pet, especially on your lap, is illegal in several states because it causes distracted driving. Hawaii and New Jersey have specific laws regarding the securement of pets inside a moving vehicle to prevent driver distraction.

New Jersey can fine drivers up to $1,000 if a pet is not secured in a crate, harness, or with a seatbelt while the car is in motion. Even if a state does not have a specific “pet restraint law,” an officer can still give you a ticket for distracted or careless driving.

Misusing your horn has rules

Using your car horn for non-emergency purposes can result in a traffic ticket, depending on the location of your driving. In states like Florida and California, it is illegal to honk your horn unless you are warning someone of danger or an unsafe situation.

New York City utilizes a Noise Camera Enforcement Program to detect excessive vehicle noise, including horn honking, pursuant to Local Law 7 of 2024. These cameras issue fines starting at $800 for sounds over 85 decibels that violate traffic rules against unnecessary honking.

Lights and tinting get noticed

Adding underbody lights to your car, also known as “underglow,” can lead to a police stop in states like Connecticut, Maine, and Michigan. These laws exist because colored lights can confuse other drivers or make your car appear to be an emergency vehicle.

Also, having your car windows tinted too darkly is a common reason for a stop. For example, on passenger cars in Maryland, all windows with add-on tint must allow at least 35% of light to pass through them, so a very dark tint is illegal.

Driving too slow in the left lane

Most states have a law that requires slower traffic to keep right, meaning the left lane is strictly for passing other vehicles. It is illegal to “camp” or stay in the passing lane for a long time, even if you are driving the speed limit.

Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia are just a few of the states that have these “keep right” laws enforced against drivers blocking cars trying to pass. Staying in the passing lane unnecessarily can result in a ticket, even if you think you are maintaining a safe speed.

Snow and hazard light confusion

In winter states, it is illegal not to clear all snow and ice from your entire vehicle, including the roof and hood. States like New Jersey and Pennsylvania require complete snow removal to prevent ice sheets from flying off and hitting other cars.

Kansas and Louisiana have specific laws about hazard lights. In Kansas, flashing lights are prohibited on moving vehicles, except for particular types of vehicles, such as school buses. Louisiana allows them only to warn of a vehicular hazard needing unusual care, not for driving in normal rain.

The true purpose of pretext stops

A pretext stop occurs when a police officer uses a minor traffic offense as a pretext to initiate a traffic stop. The officer’s real reason for the stop is to investigate something larger, even if they do not yet have a strong legal reason for that main suspicion.

This means a small hanging air freshener or a very slight window tint violation can be the official legal reason for the stop. Critics argue that these minor, technical laws can be used to stop drivers based on things like age, vehicle type, or racial profiling.

New rules on distracted driving in 2025

The laws regarding distracted driving are becoming stricter in many states, which can also lead to a traffic stop. In 2025, several states will either fully enforce existing laws or create new ones regarding the use of phones.

In 2025, states such as Pennsylvania, Iowa, and South Carolina have adopted “hands-free” laws that prohibit holding a cell phone while driving. Missouri’s 2023 hands-free law is now fully enforced, meaning you can be pulled over solely for keeping your phone.

2024 updates for motorcycles and cars

Some states are changing their rules for how drivers must behave around motorcycles, which can affect traffic flow and stops. Colorado legalized “lane filtering” for motorcycles in August 2024, allowing them to move between stopped or slow-moving cars.

On a different note, Virginia recently tightened its seatbelt law, now requiring every adult to wear a seatbelt in any seat of a vehicle. This means that front- and back-seat passengers must always be buckled up; otherwise, the driver can be pulled over.

New speeding penalties in Florida

Some states are introducing severe criminal charges for extreme speeding, a new type of violation that can lead to a traffic stop. Florida created a new crime for dangerous excessive speeding in 2025.

As of July 1, 2025, driving at speeds of 50 mph or more over the limit, or at least 100 mph, can trigger new criminal penalties. This new law demonstrates that lawmakers are becoming increasingly stringent in addressing the most hazardous driving behaviors that pose a threat to public safety.

Protecting pedestrians with daylighting

California is introducing a new rule in 2025 that affects where cars can park near crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety. This law, known as Daylighting (AB 413), will prohibit parking near crosswalks to provide drivers with a clear view of pedestrians crossing.

If a driver is pulled over for parking too close to a crosswalk, it may seem like a minor ticket, but it is part of a larger safety initiative. These types of new laws show a growing focus on street design and safety for everyone, not just drivers.

Tech’s role in traffic stops: speed cameras

Some cities are utilizing new technologies that can record traffic violations without requiring a police officer to make a physical stop. For example, Malibu, California, has authorized a pilot program for speed safety systems (SB 1297).

These speed-camera systems automatically catch drivers going too fast and send a ticket in the mail, reducing the need for an officer to chase down the car. This shift to technology changes how and when drivers are cited for breaking speed laws.

The shift in Georgia’s light permits

Rules regarding vehicle equipment and lighting are also frequently updated, which can result in stops if a car does not meet the latest standards. Effective July 1, 2024, Georgia no longer requires a permit for the use of amber flashing or revolving lights on certain vehicles.

However, the law strictly clarifies that vehicles using these amber lights are not considered authorized emergency vehicles and cannot be treated as such. This means using any blue or red lights, or flashing amber lights incorrectly, will undoubtedly get a driver stopped.

New focus on license plate visibility

In an effort to keep up with drivers trying to conceal their identities, laws regarding license plates are being updated. California passed a new law that bans license plate covering devices (AB 2111) in 2025.

If a driver uses any device to cover or make their license plate hard to read, they could be stopped by an officer for the violation. These minor equipment rules are easy for police to spot and often serve as another reason for a pretextual traffic stop.

Curious how AI is changing the way we drive? Find out how Lamborghini says AI could enhance your driving skills

What happens during a traffic stop

When an officer pulls a car over, the driver and passengers have expected roles to follow during the stop. They must pull over safely and stop the car right away when the officer signals them to do so.

During the stop, the driver is expected to keep their hands on the steering wheel, turn on an interior light, and give the officer their license and proof of insurance. This is the standard process, no matter the reason for the initial police stop.

Wonder how the thrill of the road has evolved? Compare driving experiences from the 1980s to now.

Ever been pulled over for something that seemed legal? Drop your thoughts below.

Read More From This Brand:

• How 2025 electric cars compare by driving range
• Research shows matching voices make self-driving cars more trusted
• Tips to maximize fuel efficiency and save money while driving

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN

If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE emails. Join today and be the first to get stories like this one

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.