Sheriff is the highway patrol car who chases Lightning McQueen in Pixar's Cars.
At the beginning of the film, Lightning becomes separated from his transport truck, Mack, during an overnight journey. He drives recklessly through Radiator Springs and damages the town's road. Sheriff catches him after the chase and brings him before the local authorities.
Sheriff is a black-and-white 1949 Mercury Club Coupe. He serves as Radiator Springs' law-enforcement vehicle and is one of the town's long-standing residents. His appearance and role draw on the classic image of an American highway patrol car.
Sheriff is sometimes confused with Sarge, the green military-style jeep, or Doc Hudson, the town's judge and former racing legend. Sheriff also appears in later Cars stories, continuing to patrol Radiator Springs and help maintain order.