'Guessing It's a Ford Explorer:' Woman Says People Always Think She's a Cop. Why Does She 'Love' It?

A TikTok user's dashcam footage showing drivers frantically moving out of her way has sparked a massive conversation about police car lookalike models. The viral video has racked up more than 21.8 million views as viewers debate all aspects of the topic, including whether civilians should be allowed to drive cars that resemble police cruisers.

TikTok user Maccinstash (@maccinstash) posted a 15-second video on Aug. 29 featuring edited dashcam footage of cars in the passing lane abruptly changing back into the slow lane. The clips show vehicle after vehicle quickly moving aside, apparently because her car resembles an unmarked police vehicle. Set to Ludacris's "Move Bitch," the video is captioned simply: "They think I'm the [police] #fyp."

The reaction has been overwhelming, with the video generating hundreds of thousands of comments from drivers sharing their own experiences and opinions about police lookalike vehicles.

Ford Explorer Owners Share Similar Experiences

The comments section quickly filled with Ford Explorer owners reporting identical experiences. 

User Dr3am._.Catch3r wrote, "I got me a ford explorer black and ppl do the same," earning over 25,000 likes. The creator responded with knowing emojis, suggesting she's well aware of the effect her vehicle has on other drivers.

Another user noted, "My momma have a white one and they do the same with her."

However, some viewers pointed out that the creator's vehicle might not actually be a Ford Explorer. User owain2121 clarified: "For everyone saying it's a ford explorer, it's not it's a Chevy transverse," which received nearly 7,000 likes and a loving emoji response from the creator.

Gallery: Ford Explorer Police Interceptor utility vehicle revealed

How to Spot Real Police Vehicles

The viral video prompted an educational discussion about distinguishing between civilian and police vehicles. Several commenters shared tips for identifying actual police cruisers.

User Stxph98 offered location-specific advice, which garnered 92 likes: "Where I live, regular explorers have roof rails while cops explorers do not.”

This is a keen observation. Police Interceptor Utilities are typically manufactured without roof rails, while civilian Explorers come standard with them. However, Ford Explorer forum users claim that some civilian Explorer ST models can be ordered without roof rails, and some owners remove them to achieve a "police-style" look.

Another commenter, Darius Milner, provided more detailed guidance: "Cop cars usually have amber (yellow) daytime running lights & no roof rails. The civilians usually are regular LED colored and roof rails (unless it's the base model)." 

This is true of some newer models. Explorer owners say that 2020 and newer Police Interceptor Utilities use amber turn signals as daytime running lights (DRLs) instead of the white LED strip found on civilian models, though some civilian owners have modified their vehicles through software to achieve similar amber DRLs.

User Bourbonlady41 shared a simple rule: "If it has a roof rack it's not a cop. If there's no roof rack. It's a cop!" Others mentioned looking for spotlights, antennas, and specific license plates as telltale signs. 

These are pretty reliable indicators. According to CarThrottle, police vehicles commonly feature driver-side spotlights near the mirror and typically have multiple antennas (three to five different types) for various communication systems, which distinguishes them from civilian vehicles.

User Emmanuel wrote: "I just look for visor lights," while another commenter suggested, "Always look at the tires bigg give away." While that comment lacks specifics, police vehicles often use specialized tires, including run-flat tires and specific police-rated tires from manufacturers like Goodyear's Eagle Enforcer line.

The Police Car Dupe Anxiety Factor

Many commenters revealed the psychological impact of encountering potential police vehicles on the road. User Natmyvibe18 perfectly captured the common experience: "Me every time trying to figure out if it's a cop or just a regular explorer," they wrote, accompanied by a meme of a squinting woman that received over 122,000 likes.

User Alma Castillo responded, "Yes I slow down just in case," earning 499 likes. 

The anxiety appears widespread, with multiple users sharing similar sentiments about second-guessing their driving when they spot what might be an unmarked police car.

User Jessica summed up the dilemma: "I say to myself 'is that a cop or a soccer mom.'" This confusion is only natural: The commercial version of the Explorer also lacks roof rails, making it even harder to distinguish from police vehicles at a glance.

Gallery: 2025 Chevrolet Traverse Review

Controversial Driving Behavior

Not everyone appreciated the creator's apparent enjoyment of being mistaken for law enforcement. User Hamza Mufleh sparked a heated debate by commenting, "I think that non police people should not be allowed to have a ford explorer," which received over 38,000 likes.

The comment generated hundreds of responses defending civilian ownership of Explorers. User FEW55 countered: "Why? It's just a regular car?" earning nearly 2,000 likes.

Some viewers criticized the creator's driving style shown in the video. User Piper wrote: "It's not because of your car it's because you're being incredibly dangerous by not leaving enough space between you and the car infront," receiving over 7,500 likes. 

However, other commenters defended the driving, with user LigamentTorture explaining, "He is NOT to close, he is simply showing that the vehicles are going to slow and he wants to pass them."

Regional Differences and Enforcement Practices

The discussion revealed how police vehicle policies vary by location. Some commenters noted that their local departments use different makes and models entirely. 

User Calatom928 mentioned "Chargers," referring to Dodge Chargers commonly used by police departments. Law enforcement agencies use various unmarked vehicles, including Ford Explorers, Dodge Chargers, Chevrolet Tahoes, and even pickup trucks, with preferences varying by region and specific operational needs.

Others shared experiences with various police vehicle types, from pickup trucks to motorcycles, suggesting that the Ford Explorer phenomenon might be more regional than universal.

Gallery: 2018 Dodge Charger Police Vehicle

The "Undercover" Effect

Several users debated whether civilian-owned police lookalikes defeat the purpose of unmarked patrol cars. User em wrote: "Defeats the point of unmarked cars," while another commenter noted: "If you can recognize undercover cop and move out of his way, he's not very good at his job."

The debate touched on broader law enforcement tactics and whether unmarked vehicles should be more easily distinguishable from civilian cars. Some newer unmarked units use smaller, less obvious antennas, including black disk-shaped antennas, to maintain their covert appearance.

Defensive Responses

Not all drivers are intimidated by potential police vehicles. 

User Trisha Marie declared, "And I NEVER get out the way you gone go around dammit," earning 995 likes. 

User Idonthaveanameeee3 agreed: "Exactly i don't even care if it was an actual cop car im not moving. If them lights don't cut on for an emergency I'm not moving."

However, some warned about potential consequences. User Pony_r_a_n_t_s shared, "My sister did that and got pulled over lmao."

The video highlights the complex relationship between civilian drivers and law enforcement presence on roadways, showing how even the appearance of police authority can influence driving behavior. Whether the creator drives a Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse, or another police-style vehicle, the effect on other drivers is undeniably real.

Motor1 reached out to Maccinstash via TikTok direct message for additional comment. We'll be sure to update this if she responds.