When stopping a vehicle on the road, in addition to checking the driver’s documents such as their license and registration, the police also perform a “mysterious” task.
One action that drivers often overlook is that a police officer will touch the rear of the vehicle near the taillight. There are several reasons why law enforcement officials do this.
According to Law Dictionary, before cameras were installed in most police vehicles, touching the rear of a stopped vehicle, specifically the taillight, was a way for police to leave evidence – a fingerprint – proving that they had been present.
Some instances of American police touching the rear of a vehicle before approaching the driver’s window.
If something were to happen while the police are stopping a vehicle for inspection, the contact between the two parties would be traceable through the fingerprints left on the vehicle. For example, this evidence could help police locate a missing person even without video footage.
Another reason a police officer might tap on the taillight is to startle the driver. Police can find themselves in dangerous situations when stopping someone, especially if the driver may be carrying illegal or prohibited items such as guns, ammunition, or drugs.
Typically, if a driver has something illegal in their vehicle, they will want to hide it before the police reach their window. Therefore, one reason police touch the taillight is to make someone inside the vehicle jump.
Drivers are unlikely to think about an unusual sound like a tap – which essentially causes them to pause for a few seconds, giving the police additional time to witness what is about to be concealed.
Additionally, if an officer believes they are in a dangerous situation while stopping someone, they may touch the rear of the vehicle as they approach the driver’s door to ensure that the trunk has been secured. This guarantees that no one is hiding in the trunk and can jump out at any moment.
