Getting pulled over by the police can be a stressful experience. As the flashing lights reflect in your rearview mirror, you might notice something curious—the officer touches your car’s tail lights. But why do they do this? Is there a deeper reason behind this small action? In this article, we’ll explore the intriguing purpose behind this common police practice during traffic stops.

Marking the Encounter
One of the primary reasons officers touch the tail lights is to create a record of the stop. By placing their hand on the car, they leave a fingerprint, which can serve as crucial evidence if the situation escalates or leads to a dispute.