SACRAMENTO (MAY 8, 2025) — In the real world, aggressive lane weaving, triple-digit speeds and road rage aren’t part of a high-score strategy—they’re deadly. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is deploying a new generation of low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles (SMPV) to crack down on what can only be described as “video game-styled” driving on our highways.
“The new vehicles give our officers an important advantage,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “They will allow us to identify and stop drivers who are putting others at risk, while still showing a professional and visible presence once enforcement action is needed.”
These 100 Dodge Durangos—paired with our existing high-performance fleet, which includes Dodge Chargers and Ford Explorers—blend into traffic just enough to observe the most reckless and dangerous behaviors without immediate detection. Once enforcement begins, their markings serve as a clear reminder that safety is the CHP’s top priority.
With over 390,000 crashes annually in California and nearly 1,000 daily reports of reckless driving, these new tools will help our officers hold the most egregious violators accountable. Last year, CHP officers issued almost 18,000 citations to drivers speeding over 100 miles per hour.
Speed is a factor in approximately 30% of all crashes and major contributor to traffic fatalities and injuries. It is particularly dangerous because it decreases reaction time, extends stopping distance, and intensifies the severity of crashes.
Our goal remains the same: reduce injuries, prevent fatalities, and restore a sense of safety on California’s roadways. We urge all drivers to obey speed limits, avoid aggressive behavior, and share the road responsibly.
The CHP is positioning the first 25 SMPVs in various regions across California this week. All 100 high-performance patrol units will be strategically placed along
California’s busiest, high-risk roadways by June.
Speed isn’t a thrill—it’s a threat. And the CHP is responding.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
Recently, the driver of this Dodge Charger was observed by a CHP – Modesto officer utilizing all lanes of traffic before passing a Specially Marked Patrol Vehicle (SMPV) at 96 MPH. An enforcement stop was conducted, and the unlicensed driver’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with state law. These SMPV’s are specifically designed to blend into traffic, allowing officers to identify and stop aggressive drivers who put others at risk.
Not A New Concept
These Specially Marked Patrol Vehicles (SMPV) aren’t new to the CHP. In the photo above you can see where they were using SMPV’s in the 1980’s. Back then the cars still had white doors, but the bodies were painted different colors. The CHP has been using all white SMPV’s for quite some time as well since they don’t jump out at you with the black and white appearance.
But these new vehicles are pretty cool. I like that they’re all one color and still have the California Highway Patrol logo on the doors. Even though they’re subdued compared to the regular logo, they’re still pretty visible.
It Could Be Worse
For those that complain that the vehicle isn’t visible enough or think the CHP should only be allowed to have black and white vehicles, be glad that you don’t live in a state that lets the State Police and Highway Patrol drive fully unmarked vehicles.
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