Trails

Trails are a graphical effect in all of the 3D Universe games starting with Grand Theft Auto III. The effect works by keeping previously drawn frames on screen, superimposing them over the currently rendered frame, giving an impression of motion blur. The trails effect also lends a color wash to the rendered scene for an atmospheric effect. In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, trails are only drawn when driving vehicles at high speed.

Trivia

 * The PC port of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City does not have the effect, but it remains in the console versions.