These days, several precautions are taken on a Colorado officer's behalf in the event of an unexpected confrontation during a traffic stop. Police are often equipped with cameras on the dash of their vehicle that closely monitor a traffic stop, and they sometimes wear body cameras to provide another perspective that a dashboard camera might not pick up.

Read More: Do You Have to Roll Down the Window When Pulled Over in Colorado?

Have you ever noticed that when an officer pulls someone over, as they approach the vehicle to speak with the driver they will often touch the car, sometimes more than once? This happens for a few reasons, and it has to do with safety.

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Why Do Police Touch Your Vehicle?

The first reason an officer touches the back of your car is a safety check. This ensures the trunk is closed and nobody springs out to assault the officer.

Cops are Leaving Evidence On Your Car

Another reason the officer touches the back of your car, including the taillight, is to mark your car with evidence. It helps create a timeline, and it is proof that the officer was at the scene approaching the vehicle. This was a tactic often used before cameras, but many officers still do this as an extra precaution.

Read More: How Illegal is it to Harm a Police Dog in Colorado?

Their Touch Helps Guage Your Response

The sound of an officer making contact with the vehicle can help them see how the people inside are behaving. This can help the officer get a better idea if there is any suspicious activity going on in the car as they approach.

MORE: 13 Things That Are Illegal to Do in Colorado

Feel like letting your hair down this weekend in the Centennial State? Have fun! Just be sure to avoid any of these thirteen illegal activities that will get you into trouble in Colorado. Which illegal activity in the gallery below surprises you the most? Open our station app and let us know.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

LOOK: It Is Illegal To Throw These Things Away In Colorado

There are 14 items that should never be thrown out with the trash in Colorado. Check out this helpful list of hazardous waste reminders that should never go in the garbage in Colorado. While some of these items can be turned in on local hazardous waste collection days, six items on this list can get you into big trouble if you are caught dumping them at a landfill.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

KEEP GOING: 21 Items You’re Banned from Mailing in Colorado

Are you planning to mail a package from the post office in Colorado? Take a moment to look over the photo gallery below, which includes twenty-one items banned for delivery in Colorado by the United States Postal Service.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

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