Can a Kentucky police officer in an unmarked car pull you over? What state law says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kentucky police may use unmarked vehicles to conduct legal traffic stops.
- State law requires police vehicles to have blue lights and audible sirens.
- Unmarked police cars serve multiple roles, including enforcement and transport.
If you’ve spent any amount of time driving in Kentucky, you’ve likely seen a speed trap or two. Maybe a parked police cruiser gradually comes into view around a corner or along a stretch of road where the speed limit quickly changes.
But what about the vehicle right on your tail you suspect of being an unmarked police car? Are they legally allowed to conduct traffic stops?
Both the Lexington Police Department and Kentucky State Police use unmarked cars to carry out their law enforcement duties.
Here’s what to know about which vehicles can be equipped with police lights and sirens in Kentucky, along with how state and local police use unmarked cars to do their jobs.
Can an unmarked police car pull you over in Kentucky?
The answer appears to be yes, according to emailed comments from the Kentucky State Police and Lexington’s police in response to questions from the Herald-Leader.
LPD public information officer Hannah Sloan told the Herald-Leader, “The Lexington Police Department has unmarked vehicles and they can be used for traffic stops, investigations, and other law enforcement purposes.”
Sherry Bray, agency spokesperson for KSP, also told the Herald-Leader, “KSP’s unmarked vehicles are used by sworn and civilian personnel for traveling to training, court appearances, delivering evidence to the lab, and victim advocate travel. Some unmarked cars are equipped with patrol equipment that can be used for enforcement purposes by sworn personnel should they observe a moving violation or criminal activity.”
Which vehicles can have police lights and sirens under state law?
Chapter 189 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes, specifically .910 to .950, outlines rules for emergency vehicles in the commonwealth.
KRS 189.920 covers flashing lights and sirens. Under that law, all state, county or municipal police vehicles and all sheriffs’ vehicles used for emergencies must be equipped with the following:
One of more “flashing, rotating, or oscillating blue lights” visible from 500 feet in front of the vehicle.
A siren, whistle or bell capable of emitting a sound audible at no less than 500 feet.
KRS 189.950 bans ordinary vehicles, non-emergency vehicles from:
Equipping or using a siren, whistle or bell. There’s an exception for anti-theft alarms, but notably, it cannot be used as a regular warning signal.
Equipping or using red or blue flashing lights, or lights that revolve or oscillate. Some exceptions are red flashing lights on school buses, stop lights and turn signals at the rear of motor vehicles.
Equipping or using any yellow light that flashes, revolves or oscillates. The law makes exceptions for turn signals and emergency flashers, mail carriers on duty, funeral escort vehicles and church buses.
State law also allows regular or volunteer fire department personnel, constables and ambulance service members to display flashing lights, but only for specific purposes and only with permission from supervising authorities.
What if you’re pulled over by an unmarked car in Lexington?
According to Sloan, drivers in Lexington should slow down and pull over safely, getting out of the lane of traffic and into a well-lit area.
“Individuals can also call the non-emergency number at (859) 258-3600 to verify” an unmarked vehicle is associated with law enforcement, Sloan told the Herald-Leader in an email Tuesday.
“There are multiple law enforcement agencies in Fayette County. Not all of these agencies wear uniforms or have marked vehicles,” Sloan wrote. “That does not mean it is not a legitimate law enforcement encounter. Individuals can ask for the officer’s credentials, name, and agency.”
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