Ellie,
I used to have a 2019 Nissan Altima brand new off the lot. I lost my job during the COVID lockdown and ultimately lost the car. I had to buy a cash car from the early 2000s. It is older, but it is fully functional.
I never got pulled over in any new car I had, but I have been constantly pulled over in this one. I drive the same. I have insurance and everything. Nothing has changed but the car.
They always seem to have some excuse for why they pulled me over. No seatbelt, even though I always wear mine because I lost a family member when I was a kid because they weren’t wearing theirs. Broken headlight, but it works perfectly fine. Broken taillight, same thing. Running a stop sign, but I stop for about 5–7 seconds before I go.
What's the deal? Do Freeport police target older vehicles?
Dear Christian,
I understand why you feel singled out.
When you drive newer cars for years and rarely get stopped, then switch to an older vehicle and suddenly start getting pulled over, it is hard not to notice the pattern. That does not automatically prove you are being targeted unfairly, but it does mean your concern is worth taking seriously.
Here is the honest answer: older vehicles often attract more police attention.
That can happen for a few reasons. Older vehicles are more likely to have equipment issues, expired registration, dim lights, loud exhaust, tint problems, damaged plates, or other small things officers look for during traffic patrols. Even when your car is legal and fully functional, it may still stand out more than a newer vehicle.
That may explain why officers notice your car more often. It does not excuse false reasons for a stop.
If an officer says your headlight is out and it works, or says your taillight is broken and it is not, that is something you should document. If they say you were not wearing a seatbelt and you were, write it down. If they say you ran a stop sign and you know you stopped, make note of the exact location and time.
A dashcam would also be a smart idea. If you can, install one with both front and rear cameras. A front camera can show how you are driving, whether you stopped, used a signal, or stayed in your lane. A rear camera can help show what happened behind you, including when an officer started following you or activated lights. It may not solve everything, but it gives you something better than just your word against someone else’s.
Do not argue on the side of the road. Stay calm, be respectful, and get through the stop safely. But afterward, start keeping records.
Write down:
- the date and time of the stop
- the location
- the officer's name or badge number
- the reason given for the stop
- weather you received a ticket, warning, or nothing
- whether your lights, seatbelt, insurance, registration, and inspection were all valid
- whether anyone was with you who witnessed it
- whether you have dashcam footage from the stop
If they say a light is out, safely record a quick video afterward showing the headlight, brake lights, turn signals, and license plate light working. You can also have a mechanic or inspection shop check the vehicle and keep proof that everything is functioning.
The reason documentation matters is because one stop may be written off as random. Several stops with weak or incorrect reasons may show a pattern.
And if there is a pattern, that is where accountability starts.
You can ask the department about its complaint process. You may also be able to request body camera or dash camera footage, depending on the situation. If you receive a citation you believe is wrong, do not ignore it. Handle it through the court process and bring any evidence you have.
Make sure your car is as clean legally as possible. Check your lights often. Keep your insurance and registration current. Wear your seatbelt. Stop fully. Use signals. Do not give them an easy reason.
My final advice: An older car may draw more attention, but attention is not the same as proof of wrongdoing. Stay calm during the stop, use a dashcam if you can, document everything afterward, and let facts speak louder than frustration.