California Highway Patrol Deploys Low Visibility Agressive Driving Fleet - DID CHP Rig the BIDs?

CHP deploys 100 new low-profile patrol vehicles to sneak up on dangerous drivers
Portrait of Brian Day Brian Day
USA TODAY NETWORK

The California Highway Patrol has announced the deployment of 100 new low-profile patrol vehicles across the state to help officers sneak up on dangerous and reckless drivers, officials said.

The new 2024 Dodge Durango SUVs, known as "Specially Marked Patrol Vehicles," feature a variety of colors, along with low-profile lighting and signage that allow them to blend into traffic far better than traditional patrol cars, the agency announced Thursday.

"These new patrol units, distinct from our iconic black-and-whites, retain the manufacturer's paint job, helping officers blend into traffic and catch reckless drivers in the act," according to CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee..
The California Highway patrol announced the deployment of 100 new "Specially Marked Patrol Vehicles" across the state to help officers sneak up on dangerous and reckless drivers on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

"We're deploying 100 of the vehicles statewide to confront a growing threat: aggressive drivers who speed excessively, tailgate, split lanes, and endanger lives," he said. "When they spot our marked units, they often change their behavior briefly. These new patrol vehicles will help us hold them accountable."

The Durangos are outfitted with a Hemi V8 engine, a police pursuit package, concealed emergency lighting, and a low-profile version of the CHP logo on their doors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 25-25
May 8, 2025
CHP Media Relations: (916) 843-3310
CHP TARGETS ‘VIDEO GAME-STYLED’ DRIVING WITH NEW LOW-
PROFILE ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES
SACRAMENTO — 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.