N.C. Highway Patrol enters national best-looking cruiser contest with Hurricanes-inspired photo
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is asking residents to help put the state in the national spotlight as voting opens for the 2026 America’s Best-Looking Cruiser Contest.
Hosted annually by the American Association of State Troopers (AAST), the friendly competition features patrol vehicles from state law enforcement agencies across the country. This year’s North Carolina submission celebrates both the Patrol’s iconic black-and-silver vehicles and a championship moment for the state’s professional hockey team.
The featured photo was taken outside Raleigh’s Lenovo Center shortly after the Carolina Hurricanes captured the Stanley Cup, showcasing a Ford Mustang patrol vehicle and a Ford Police Interceptor Utility alongside a uniformed state trooper wearing a Carolina Hurricanes jersey.
“The State Highway Patrol is proud to showcase these patrol vehicles in celebration of our home team’s championship victory,” the agency said in a news release. Officials also thanked the Carolina Hurricanes organization for partnering on the submission and the Lenovo Center for serving as the backdrop for this year’s photograph.
The annual contest recognizes state law enforcement agencies while supporting a charitable cause. The top 13 finishers will earn a place in the 2027 AAST calendar, with proceeds benefiting the American Association of State Troopers Foundation. The foundation provides educational scholarships to the dependents of member troopers.
Public voting begins at 10 a.m. on June 29 and closes at 12 p.m. on July 10. Supporters can cast one vote per device by visiting the contest’s online survey or through the North Carolina State Highway Patrol’s Facebook page.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol encourages residents to participate in the competition and help bring the title of America’s Best-Looking Cruiser to the Tar Heel State.
