1. Theft Statistics
Traffic police inspectors have a keen sense of which cars draw the most attention from thieves. Certain makes and models are especially popular targets. Insurance data highlights the vehicles that thieves pursue most often:
- Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and Camry
- BMW X5
- Mazda 6
- Land Rover
- Lada
The emphasis for thieves is typically on a flawless theft of the exact model, color, and specification. In contrast, vehicles from Fiat, Peugeot, Mini, Volvo, and many Chinese brands tend to attract far less interest from criminals.
2. Damaged car
Cars showing obvious external defects are more likely to be stopped by authorities. When presenting documents, drivers may be checked for stolen status or for involvement in an accident where the other party fled the scene.
A car with blackened exhaust, unusual noises, or signs of mechanical trouble such as knocking or grinding can also trigger a stop. For a current overview of which malfunctions lead to fines, see the relevant guidance.
3. Tones and Tunes
Vehicles that appear tuned or modified tend to draw attention in traffic. Police officers may stop such cars out of interest. In many cases, the focus is on confirming that modifications comply with regulations. Some enthusiasts disguise the original color with cosmetic tuning, replace components with parts from other cars, or install aftermarket window tints that significantly reduce visibility.
Whether a tuned car is permitted on public roads depends on the extent and type of adjustments made.