Most unmarked cars have the extra wing mirror either side and 9/10 off them have an extra interior mirror, normally left of original, for the passengers benefit. This makes them stick out from other cars to those that know what to look for. Another thing to spot is the cars reg…most of Thames Valleys start with OU and the unmarked ones are mainly Vauxhall…most unmarked cars have oodles of led’s dotted about the bumpers front & rear but I think they are doing away with 2-3 aerials on the roof (which made them another easy spot) for 1, unless they have the tracker system on board, which have the usual 4 (positioned in a square fashion) in middle of roof. They still have the ‘stop/follow me’ sign on the rear shelf that looks like a briefcase too. This is a MMTM posting btw…I wouldn’t have a clue what to look for!!
The use of ‘two way radios’ is against the law, however the police are granted dispensation.
Indeed, not quite.
What “dispensation” might they have then?
Two way radio is not illegal. There is an exemption for a two way radio which is designed or adapted -
(i) for the purpose of transmitting and receiving spoken messages; and
(ii) operates on any frequency other than 880 MHz to 915 MHz, 925 MHz to 960 MHz, 1710 MHz to 1785 MHz, 1805 MHz to 1880 MHz, 1900 MHz to 1980 MHz or 2110 MHz to 2170 MHz.
Incidentally, just came across this whilst looking for some other examples of TVP cars…
What should I do if there is an unmarked police car travelling behind me flashing me to stop?
Answer
The following is advice for anyone who feels vulnerable were she (or he) to stop. In many cases there may be several of you in the or you are confident you can deal with the situation, in which case this advice may not be for you.
An unmarked police car can stop vehicles, but it must contain a constable who MUST be in uniform in order to carry out the stop.
If a car flashing for you to pull over or stop is unmarked, unless you are 100% certain it is the police, do not stop. Drive steadily to the nearest public place (for example a petrol station where they are open till late, a police station or somewhere there are a lot of people) and then stop. If you are in a relatively deserted area, as a last resort, consider looking for a house that is obviously occupied and pull into the driveway. (You can always apologise to the householder afterwards.)
Try and signal that you have acknowledged the request to stop and indicate the action you are taking (put your flashers on or signal by pointing from the driver’s window etc.). Don’t drive off at great speed making the police think you are trying to get away.
Keep the doors locked until you are happy it is the police. Have your mobile at hand just in case. You can ask to see a warrant card, which should carry a name and photograph, through the closed window.
Incidentally, if you are suspected of drink/drugs driving none of these actions would invalidate an officer giving you a preliminary screening test as you have only temporarily interrupted your journey and are still driving for the purposes of that law.
Does the bit I’ve put in bold mean u can go and have a go if you think your 'ard enough?? (Jokes…before I get a knock at the door!!)
I’ve not read all the replies but if you ever get a ‘police car’ trying to pull you over, simply let them know you’ve seen them (by way of a hazard flash or whatever) and continue to a safe, well lit/populated area, ie a garage forecourt at a service station or somewhere similar. The police will be sympathetic towards you if you simply say you were worried about a security risk or similar, especially if driving at night time, just don’t take the pee and make it to the next drop 20 miles down the road
If it’s an unmarked car and you’re unsure if it’s a genuine police vehicle, then dial 999! It’s not wasting anyone’s time, it’s all about “keeping people safe.” I can understand both sides of the “I’m not stopping unless it’s a marked car” argument. Before I joined the police, one of our trucks was hijacked and the poor driver never fully recovered. Most traffic officers are aware that high value load drivers are briefed in relation to stopping for unmarked vehicles and try to ensure that a fully marked car puts in the initial stop.
Just don’t try the " I know it’s got a light bar and police decals on it but I wasn’t quite sure it was a GENUINE police car…" defence, as it won’t work…
Dipper_Dave:
I do not stop for a police car, as mentioned call 999 and state your reg and rough location and what is happening. In seconds (well maybe a minute or two) you will be told if its genuine or not.
Course if it gets to the point when its 5 + Police cars and a Helicopter and I’ve written a couple off who had tried to stop me I may re-consider.
Yep there were 6 police cars (3 of them armed units), a helicopter and 2 dog units chasing me past Blyth services last night but ~I refused to stop as I had read this thread. I couldn’t believe all those resources being used to apprehend me for doing 56 in a 50 zone but hey apparently it was genuine.
