Do Police Officers on Traffic Duty Have to Use Marked Cars and Proper Uniforms?

Ohio law requires its peace officers and highway patrol officers to drive around in marked cars and wear distinctive uniforms if they want to enforce the traffic laws of the State of Ohio.  According to the Supreme Court, it was the intent of the General Assembly, in part, when it adopted the statutes, to curb speed traps and to provide uniformity in traffic control and regulation in an effort to make driving safer in all areas of the state.[1]

One of the safety concerns addressed by the General Assembly in enacting the statutes was the hazard to members of the public that inevitably would result should a police officer, not clearly identified as such, confront a driver and attempt to require him to follow the officer’s instructions.[2]  It requires little imagination to contemplate the unfortunate consequences should a frightened motorist believe that he was being forced off the road by a stranger.[3]  The General Assembly sought to avoid such mischief by requiring police officers on traffic duty to be identified clearly.[4]