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” reckless and high-speed driving on the state’s highways.
CHP Targets "Video Game-Styled" Driving With New Low-Profile Enforcement Vehicles
The 100 Dodge Durangos—paired with CHP’s 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.

The new California Highway Patrol special enforcement Dodge Durangos are designed to be harder to spot than standard CHP vehicles.
California Highway Patrol
“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.”
The 100 Dodge Durangos—paired with CHP’s 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, the agency said in a press release .
With over 390,000 crashes annually in California and nearly 1,000 daily reports of reckless driving, these new tools will help CHP 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.
The CHP is currently positioning the first 25 SMPVs in various regions across California. All 100 high-performance patrol units will be strategically placed along California’s busiest, high-risk roadways by June.
More Patrol
From the Show Floor: Axon
Join POLICE as we visit with Abi Stock, of Axon, to learn about the company’s latest technology offerings, such as Axon Assistant, Form One, and the DFR integration with Skydio.
Read More →
Back Face Deformation, Brain Injury and Ballistic Helmets – Why the “Dent Doesn’t Matter” Claim Ignores Science
Alex Poythress, co-founder and CEO of Ballistic Armor Co., explains why ballistic helmet buyers should insist on full test data, including BFD measurements, standoff distance, and padding configuration, rather than rely solely on penetration ratings.
Read More →
Streamlight Marks 15 Years of Support for Breast Cancer Research Foundation With $20k Donation
In its 15th year of supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Streamlight donated $20,000 to help in the fight against cancer. Donations were generated through the sale of special Wedge XT models and other pink flashlights.
Read More →
Police-Led Mental Health Charity Expands to Include Veterans
Talk To Me Post Tour (TTMPT), a non-profit organization that has been providing peer-support programs and professional psychological support for first responders, is now expanding services to military veterans.
Read More →
WakeMed Campus Police Officer Killed in Hospital Shooting
A WakeMed Campus Police Officer died after being shot in the lobby of the emergency department at a North Carolina hospital over the weekend.
Read More →
Video Shows Barricaded Suspect Fall Through Ceiling and Into SWAT Custody
Deputies in Indian River County, Florida, apprehended a suspect after he fell through the ceiling with SWAT members waiting below. The sheriff’s department released video of the apprehension.
Read More →From the Show Floor: T2 Systems
Learn about T2 Systems and its electronic parking enforcement solutions. Retired Chief John Holland outlines the benefits of using such a system to manage parking enforcement.
Read More →
Texas Police Department Adds Reconview Tower
A Texas police chief shares how the Decatur Police Department will use its new Reconview observation tower.
Read More →From the Show Floor: Traka
Join POLICE as we visit with Steve Atkinson of Traka and learn about the company’s asset management cabinets and key lockers.
Read More →
Team Wendy Shares New DREW Data During Personal Armour Systems Symposium
Team Wendy shared data about DREW, a biofidelic helmet-test rig built to simulate real head-to-ground falls and capture both linear and rotational head motion, during the recent Personal Armour Systems Symposium in Belgium.
Read More →
