Perhaps in Germany all fast drivers would be living in a better place. Most highways don’t feature a speed limit meaning those engines are really put to the test. In countries such as the United States and Canada this isn’t the case, however. Speed traps tend to be around every corner and this drives us mad. Props to an owner of a Tesla S who somehow found a loophole. According to the driver out LA he used the “auto-pilot” excuse. He got both tickets dismissed. Oh, if only things were that easy for all fast drivers!
Updated April 2022: If you enjoy driving fast, or even just driving in general, you'll be happy to know that we've updated this article with more info about the cars that are pretty much guaranteed to get you pulled over by the police.
In this article we feature the rides with the worst ticketed rates. The data takes all the drivers of the certain model and compares them to the amount of tickets totaled. Before we begin, let’s pay homage to some vehicles that didn’t make the list. Fast drivers be sure to cross these cop magnets off your list of future purchases; Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS, Mazda 3, Dodge Stratus SXT, Acura 3.0, Toyota Tacoma, Mazda Tribute, Lincoln LS and Chevrolet Tahoe K1500. Among the rides fast drivers should look into includes the Jaguar XJ, Audi A3 and BMW 320i. These cars are among the least ticketed. Enjoy the article folks and like always be sure to share it with a friend, especially with one that has accumulated lots of tickets over the years. These are 20 cop magnets fast drivers must avoid buying. Let’s get started!
20 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Thinking about buying a new convertible Mercedes? In truth, we wouldn’t blame you, however, chances are it might result in a ticket at some point, considering that the vehicle is among the prone rides to being pulled over. According to CJ Pony Parts the numbers are quite baffling when it comes to the SL-Class. The chance of the car being ticketed is 400% more likely than average... ouch!
Do you still want that convertible? We're guessing probably a little less. On average that car is pulled over 404% more than average per 100,000 miles driven. According to the publication, a driver is better off with the Jaguar XJ which is among the least ticketed luxury rides out there.
19 Hummer H2
This one is a bit of a head scratcher, as according to Wired, Hummers are prone to lots of tickets. However, opting for an Escalade might be a wise decision considering it is among the least ticketed rides out there. As of 2016, according to Forbes, only 8% of Escalades get stopped by the cops. That’s remarkably low.
According to Ben Mack of Wired, the Hummer H2 doesn't have the same type of luck and in fact it is quite the opposite; "People who drive Hummers receive almost five times as many traffic tickets as the average driver, according to a new study." So basically that’s another reason not to buy a Hummer.
18 Subaru WRX
For the most part, this list features some of the better performing automobiles that are up for sale at a reasonable price. The WRX is among the top performing rides however it is also among the most ticketed cars available. The recent stats are pretty disturbing; according to Cheat Sheet 33.6% of the drivers have been ticketed in the past – that makes it one of the worst percentages out there.
Not only is it naturally fast but this car is also frequently modified which just adds to its capabilities. That might also lead to more tickets in truth....
17 Scion FR-S
The Scion makes an appearance on this list not once but twice. Similar to the Subaru, this vehicle has an affordable price point mixed in with some decent speed capabilities. The FR-S has an affordable price tag of $25,000. However, it is truly alarming that a near 33% of the drivers have been ticketed in the past.
According to Cheat Sheet such numbers increased the premiums on the ride dramatically. If you’re going to purchase the car regardless, drive with lots of caution. We’ll touch base on the other Scion which is somehow just as bad.
16 Mercedes-Benz C300
The C300 4Matic Sedan is among the more reasonable Mercedes in terms of price point. A brand-new model can be purchased starting at $44,700. However, it might come with a risk. Although the convertible SL-Class is among the most ticketed on the entire list the C300 is no slouch either.
According to the recent stats the car has a 30% probability of being pulled over. A buyer might be better off with a BMW 320i or Audi A3 2-Series. Unlike the Benz these cars are considered among the lowest in terms of the total drivers and ticketed rates. The 320i has a mere 10% rate while the Audi A3 has 9% likelihood.
15 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Thus far the rides featured on the list make a lot of sense. Some are of an affordable price point with great performance capabilities while others offer both speed and luxury. Fast drivers might want to think twice about those rides. However, it is a bit of a head scratcher to see the Toyota FJ Cruiser.
In fact, it isn’t the only Toyota with a high ticket ratio, the Toyota Tacoma also has a 30% clip among all of its drivers. Perhaps the wackiness of the body type and color might attract a little too much attention? Fast drivers might be better off with a Range Rover which has one of the lowest ticket rates.
14 Mini Cooper S Countryman
According to NBC News the Mini Cooper S Countryman has an alarming rate of 27.5% per every driver. Admit you didn’t expect to see a Mini Cooper on the list? However, it should also be noted that this ride exceeds a lot of expectations in terms of performance.
Let’s be honest though, the car is no race car with a 0-62 mph at 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 138 mph. At roughly the same price a fast driver might be better off with the Buick Encore. Both cars are in the $25,000 to $30,000 range. The only difference is that the Encore is the ride with the least amount of tickets per driver. The rate is remarkably low at a 3% clip.
13 Lexus ES300
The Lexus ES is among the oldest Lexus models. The first class was issued way back in 1989. It remains on the market these days however fast drivers should precede with caution. According to Forbes 2016 list this is the car with worst ticket rate. 33% of drivers have been ticketed.
At a similar price point fast drivers are much better off rolling the dice and buying a Lexus IS class. The Lexus IS 350 ranks among the least ticketed rides – go figure. According to Forbes, only 3% of drivers have been ticketed in the past – that makes it one of the lowest rates.
12 Toyota Supra
To all those fast drivers out there avert your eyes for a moment. The newest Supra is loaded with goodness, and by goodness we mean roaring speed capabilities.
The unfortunate truth is that 30.8% of Supra drivers that have been pulled over in the past. Fast drivers might want to stay away especially as it pertains to the new model.
11 Scion tC
Often regarded as the successor of the Toyota Celica, the Scion tC is another ride with an affordable price point mixed in with high performance. The car has a rate of 28.8% of its drivers being ticketed in the past, that’s nearly a third of all Scion tC drivers, yikes! According to Cheat Sheet speed violations are quite common with this ride. This makes it a car fast driver might want to stay away from.
Instead, why not opt for an Acura ILX which has a surprisingly low ticket rate amongst its drivers of 6%. In terms of market value the price points are nearly the same. The Acura might be a tad more expensive, but you’ll save off the lack of tickets!
10 Acura Integra
Surprisingly Acura doesn’t have a ticketed rate similar to the likes of Subaru or Toyota. We say surprisingly because the car company has a plethora of affordable rides that tend to be good performers on the road. The Integra is an exception to the rule. This car is a veteran of the street game. The first model was produced way back in the mid 1980s.
The ride is cheap with older models available for under $10,000 these days. The Integra is also typically customized by the younger generations. When you factor in the low cost and high performance levels it isn’t hard to understand why this vehicle is up there in terms of ticket frequency.
9 Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai’s don’t have the worst ticket percentage. However, according to Insurance.com the Veloster might be a car in the Hyundai family that fast drivers want to steer clear from. According to recent statistics 28.1% of the car owners have received some type of warning.
Perhaps speed and affordable price point have something to do with that. New base models can be purchased for slightly above $30,000. Factor that in with some of the quicker and powerful models such as the Veloster Turbo and Veloster Rally Edition – two cars with a lot of power.
8 Volkswagen Rabbit
As of 2009 Volkswagen converted back to their old identity. The Rabbit was replaced by the Golf. Despite the change the Rabbit still exists today with the older models maintaining their form. The car is typically used as a starter ride for younger drivers.
It also has a low price point and it isn’t uncommon for the ride to feature a mod or two. Fast drivers should also factor in that the ride is extremely light thus making it that much quicker. According to Cheat Sheet the ride has a 29.6% ticketed rate amongst all its drivers. Perhaps a Fiat might be a better idea. Don’t roll your eyes!
7 Nissan 350Z
“Don't let the modest increase in horsepower fool you. This is a faster car than before in every respect. The 0-to-60 time of 5.2 seconds is 0.2 second quicker than that of any other 350Z we've ever tested. Better still, the new internals make for a smoother engine.” Car and Driver considers this ride a high performer. According to the reviews the car has tremendous steering, and it’s also extremely fast.
However, the engine is a little too loud according to reviews. Perhaps that’s another reason as to why it’s getting noticed regularly? According to Forbes the car is at the top of the list with a staggering 33% of its drivers getting ticketed. Fast drivers might save a couple of bucks as older models sell for under $10,000 these days. However, you might make up for it in ticket accumulation!
6 Infiniti QX56
Fast drivers might have expected an Infiniti to make the list. The car is very fast. However, it’s a little surprising that the sports utility SUV version of the ride makes it instead of the quicker and high performing models. According to Insurance.com the ride has a 27.1% ticket rate amongst its owners. Perhaps drivers might be getting a little too comfortable in the spacious ride similar to the Toyota featured earlier in the article.
The car ranks as one of the heaviest rides to be issued the most tickets per its drivers. Hey, maybe you’re better off with a Prius.... Ironically the Prius C also has a terrible ticket rate amongst its drivers at 27%.
5 Subaru Impreza 2.5I
Yup, that’s right yet another Subaru ride and in truth we could have made a bit more room for other models as well. Let’s pay homage to one of them that didn’t make the list, fast drivers stay away from the Subaru Tribeca. The ride is ticketed at an alarming rate of 30% amongst all of its drivers.
The Impreza clocks in at a little over 30%. Sadly it seems as though a reliable car company that is praised for its performance has to pay the price via one too many tickets. We would never advise to go against a Subaru, however given the recent stats it is best for drivers be very cautious if this car is purchased.
4 Volkswagen GTI
Another high performer on the list – this Volkswagen has underrated speed capabilities. Just a standard GTI van hit 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. The turbo version has a 210 horsepower. However the ride is known for even greater speed capabilities depending on the model and price point.
Perhaps due to the high volume of Volkswagen sales, the car company makes the list twice. The GTI is just under the Rabbit with 28.1% of drivers getting at least one ticket with the car, this according to Insurace.com. That gap might tighten with GTI’s still being produced while the Rabbit is slowly fading.
3 Ford Fusion S
The Fusion entered the market back in the summer of 2005. The ride has a very affordable price point these days. It isn’t winning awards related to speed however it has been considered among the top echo friendly rides based on some particular models. Surprisingly, Ford doesn’t feature very often on the list.
In fact according to Forbes top 20 list this is the only one ride that has a tough ticket rate. That’s pretty good considering all the Fords on the road, especially in the US. The Ford Fusion S doesn’t share the same success as some of its other family members. According to Forbes, 29% of its drivers have been issued a ticket in the past.
2 Pontiac GTO
The GTO might be the oldest model on the list in terms of overall age. The initial version made it on the road back in the 1960s. Of course, these stats are related to the revived version made in 2004. Production ended in 2006, however despite the small window the car isn’t getting away with tickets.
According to Cheat Sheet, the rate is alarmingly high, fast driver be cautious as this car has a 32.7% ticket rate amongst all its drivers, yikes! This isn’t the only muscle car (well it’s kind of a muscle car or at least it was) to make the list. Fast drivers might be disappointed with the final gem on the list.
1 Dodge Charger SE/SXT
Ironically certain law enforcement officials have converted to a Charger while patrolling the streets. According to Doug DeMuro of Jalopnik the decision to do so might be the same reason as to why it gets so many tickets; “The cops love it because it's fast, and powerful, and it can easily catch up to anyone doing anything wrong. “ It is also very noticeable both front and back – though than can be a burden especially for fast drivers looking to avoid a ticket.
Charger drivers of the SE/SXT have not been doing the greatest job of avoiding tickets. According to Forbes the Charger has one of the worst ticket rates amongst its owner at a terrible clip of 32%. That’s nearly a third.
Sources: CarAndDriver.com, MotorTrend.com, Motor1.com