What Color Cars Get the Most Tickets? Fact vs. Myth

Worried that a red car will attract more tickets and spike your insurance rates? This common myth has deterred many drivers, but the truth about car colors and tickets may surprise you. At Good to Go Insurance, we debunk myths and help you save on auto insurance quotes with rates starting at $39/month.

Do Red Cars Get More Tickets?

The belief that red cars are ticket magnets is a persistent urban legend, often influencing car-buying decisions. However, studies show no evidence that police deliberately target red vehicles. Instead, ticket rates correlate more with driving behavior and car visibility than color alone. Let’s explore which colors are most cited and why.

Which Car Colors Get the Most Tickets?

With over 34 million traffic tickets issued annually in the U.S., costing drivers $6.3 billion, about 1 in 5 motorists receives a citation each year. Recent data reveals:

• White Cars: Account for nearly 20% of tickets, likely due to their high visibility and prevalence (20% of new car purchases).
• Grey/Silver Cars: Often rank second, reflecting their popularity (combined with black, 80% of vehicles are black, white, grey, or silver).
• Red Cars: Represent only 5% of vehicles but receive around 15% of tickets, proportionately higher due to their eye-catching color.

Red cars aren’t specifically targeted, but their bright hue may make them more noticeable in traffic, leading to a higher citation rate relative to their numbers. Learn how to keep premiums low despite tickets.

Least Ticketed Car Colors

Black cars, making up 30% of new vehicle purchases, are less likely to be ticketed compared to white or red. Their darker, less conspicuous color may reduce visibility to police, similar to why black cars are involved in more accidents—they blend into surroundings. If avoiding tickets is a priority, a black vehicle might offer a slight edge.

Does Car Color Affect Insurance Rates?

Contrary to popular belief, insurers do not factor car color into premium calculations. Rates are based on factors like driving history, vehicle type, and location, not aesthetics. If red cars were significantly riskier, insurers would adjust rates accordingly, but no such policy exists. Compare insurance estimates to confirm your rate isn’t inflated.

States with the Most Traffic Tickets

Where you drive matters more than your car’s color. These states issue the highest number of citations annually:

1. Ohio: High ticket volume despite a smaller population.
2. Pennsylvania: Frequent citations for its 13 million residents.
3. New York: Expensive tickets are common in the Empire State.
4. California: High population and car culture drive ticket numbers.
5. Texas: Over 1 million tickets issued yearly.
6. Florida: Ranks in the top 15% for citations.
7. Nevada: Las Vegas’s high DUI rates prompt strict enforcement.

Urban areas with dense police presence also increase ticket likelihood. Explore state-specific insurance to manage costs in high-ticket regions.

Tips to Avoid Traffic Tickets

No matter your car’s color, safe driving reduces your risk of citations and keeps insurance rates low. Follow these tips:

• Avoid texting or talking on your phone while driving.
• Use turn signals for every lane change or turn.
• Stay within 10 MPH of the speed limit.
• Wear your seatbelt at all times.
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Never run red lights or ignore traffic signals.
• Avoid eating, drinking, or turning to talk to passengers while driving.

Consider defensive driving courses to improve skills and qualify for discounts.

Save on Insurance with Good to Go Insurance

Car color doesn’t impact your premiums, but comparing quotes can save you $500 or more annually. Good to Go Insurance connects you with up to 10 providers in minutes, offering liability or full-coverage plans tailored to your needs. Get instant quotes and print policy details online for free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do red cars get more tickets?

No, but red cars are ticketed proportionately more (15% of citations vs. 5% of vehicles) due to visibility, not targeting.

Which car color gets the fewest tickets?

Black cars are less likely to be cited, possibly due to lower visibility. Compare discounts to save regardless of color.

Does car color affect insurance rates?

No, insurers don’t use color in rate calculations. Check your rate with online quotes.

How can I avoid traffic tickets?

Drive safely, avoid distractions, and follow traffic laws. Learn more with safe driving tips.

Don’t let myths about car color stop you from getting the best insurance deal. Start your free quote with Good to Go Insurance today and save!