When I turned 30 and bought a little red convertible, my friends congratulated me on my new cop magnet.  After all, everyone knows that red cars are more likely to get pulled over, right?  One theory says that the bright color attracts the attention of the police.  Another says that an optical illusion makes red cars appear to be going faster than other colored cars.  That got me thinking – are certain cars more likely than others to be cited for speeding?  After all, it couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the way I drive…

According to data compiled by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, red cars do not get more speeding tickets than their less vivid counterparts.  Nor are they more likely to be stolen.  One would also assume that sports cars are more likely to be cited for speeding.  That’s what sports cars are for, after all.  Yet, the data tells a different story.  According to a study by ISO Quality Planning, a risk assessment company, the following ten vehicles are the biggest cop magnets on the road. (I wonder where my pink Mini would fall on this list?)

1.  Hummer H2 (and H3) – Perhaps the owners of these flashy behemoths drive like they own the road.  Maybe they are just easier for cops to spot.  Either way, Hummer drivers get more traffic tickets than drivers of any other vehicle.

2.  Scion tC – This entry level vehicle from Toyota’s Scion division is popular with young drivers, which easily explains why it’s on the top 10 ticketed list.  This little coupe delivers good performance at a very low price, which should at least make the speeding tickets more affordable.

3.  Scion xB – Popular with both young drivers and small businesses, the boxy xB certainly attracts a lot of attention.  The xB isn’t exactly fast, so it must be all of the catchy graphics that get these roving billboards pulled over.

4.  Mercedes CLK63 AMG – Luxury has its price, and if you can afford one of these babies, you can afford the speeding tickets that go with it.

5.  Toyota Solara – Although sportier than the 4-door Camry, the 2-door Solara is far from a high performance machine, but it is fun to drive.  Maybe the convertible models just look like they are going faster with the top down.

6.  Mercedes CLS AMG – Between its smokin’ hot looks and 507 hp V8 engine, this car has more than earned a spot on this list.  Of course, with that much horsepower, I’m surprised the cops can even catch it.

7.  Scion xA – With this model making the list, Scion completes the traffic ticket trifecta.  The xA was discontinued in 2006, but I’m sure it’s replacement, the xD, will uphold the tradition.

8.  Subaru Outback – Subarus are known for being reliable, “green” vehicles driven by environmentally conscious, outdoor-types.  I guess those otherwise responsible people are in a hurry to pick up their organic groceries. 

9.  Toyota Matrix – More expensive than its Scion cousins, but still affordable and attractive to younger drivers, this sporty hatchback is a blast to drive.  And Mr. Highway Patrol knows it.

10.  Audi A4 – Offered as a sedan, a wagon or a convertible, all three versions of the upscale Audi A4 are likely to get you noticed – by the neighbors and the police. 

Of course, it’s not the car that gets the speeding ticket – it’s the driver.  Statistics show that younger drivers are more likely to speed than older drivers, which explains the prevalence of Scions on the list.   Rich people, it seems, are also more likely to ignore the speed limit if the number of luxury cars listed is any indication.   Maybe that’s what they mean by “time is money”.  

Keeping a clean driving record is your responsibility, not your car’s.  If you watch your speed and obey the traffic laws, you can avoid costly citations no matter what vehicle you drive.   So, please drive safely!

(Women’s Automotive Solutions can help buy a car – cop magnet or not!  Check out our unique car buying service at www.WomensAutomotiveSolutions.com and see how you can get the best deal without all the hassle!)