Sacramento, California – In an aggressive new effort to crack down on reckless driving, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has begun rolling out a fleet of stealthy patrol vehicles to target what officials describe as “video game-styled” behavior on the roads.
Starting this week, 100 low-profile Dodge Durangos will travel California’s busiest highways. Outfitted with police interceptor packages and minimal external markings, the vehicles are designed to blend in with everyday traffic, allowing officers to monitor and stop dangerous drivers without being immediately recognized.
“These 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 move comes amid alarming data from CHP: more than 390,000 vehicle crashes occur in California yearly, and officers receive approximately 1,000 daily reports of reckless driving. Last year alone, CHP issued nearly 18,000 citations to motorists driving over 100 mph. Speed is a factor in about 30% of all crashes statewide.
“Video game-styled driving” refers to aggressive, high-speed, and erratic behavior on the road that mimics dangerous stunts seen in video games — something CHP says has become increasingly common and hazardous.
While many of the new Dodge Durangos feature subdued CHP livery, their sirens and lights are hidden within the vehicle’s interior. The CHP says this low-profile design helps officers blend in with traffic, allowing them to catch violators more effectively.
The first 25 of these vehicles were deployed earlier this month, with the remaining fleet expected to be fully operational by June. The Durangos will be supported by other unmarked patrol vehicles, including Dodge Chargers and Ford Explorers.
“Our goal remains the same: reduce injuries, prevent fatalities, and restore a sense of safety on California’s roadways,” the agency said in a release. “We urge all drivers to obey speed limits, avoid aggressive behavior, and share the road responsibly.”
CHP is encouraging the public to report reckless driving and continues to support efforts to make California roads safer for everyone.
