Montgomery County Department of Police Introducing New “Slick-top” Cruisers

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 27, 2023

Gaithersburg, MD – The Montgomery County Department of Police – Traffic Operations Division is rolling out two new versions of marked police cruisers: a standard “slick-top” cruiser and a “ghost graphic” slick-top cruiser. Neither police cruiser will have light bars mounted on the roof ; however, they will have lights placed inside, on the top of the windshield and in the rear window.

The ghost graphic cruisers are outfitted with the department’s standard decal but will be displayed in what is referred to as “ghost graphics,” where the markings are a subdued gray and white instead of the standard black and gold lettering seen on most department-issued patrol cars. These graphics are faint during the day but are highly reflective at night.

Both cruisers are being deployed as part of the county’s Vision Zero traffic safety plan to enhance enforcement of all traffic violations, especially those that contribute to serious and fatal collisions: impaired driving, speeding, occupant safety, aggressive and distracted driving.

The subdued profile of these vehicles will better allow officers to better observe drivers in traffic who may be speeding, texting while driving, not wearing seatbelts, driving impaired or driving aggressively. These five violations are often factors in serious and/or fatal collisions. Studies show that officer interaction with drivers is also an effective way to conduct education and change driving behavior.

The cruisers are scheduled to be deployed beginning Thursday, July 27, 2023, and will be driven by Central Traffic Unit officers who will be wearing full department-issued uniforms.