The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has summarized the results of a special enforcement period announced for the New Year holidays. The goal was to strengthen control over compliance with traffic rules and combat dangerous driver behavior.
Scale of Enforcement
In total, patrol officers carried out 9,308 enforcement actions. Of these, 5,458 were citations, and 379 individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The most common reason for issuing a citation was speeding.
Out of all citations, 2,972 were issued specifically for speed violations. Moreover, according to the patrol, 92 drivers were traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. These cases fall under new California rules that allow the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to apply sanctions to violators even before the case is considered in court.
New Stricter Laws
Drivers caught at speeds of 100 miles per hour or higher now face increased fines, potential driver’s license suspension, and points added to their driving record. These laws are designed to combat the most extreme speed violators, who are disproportionately often involved in serious and fatal accidents.
Broad Range of Measures
California continues to refine its traffic laws. The combination of stricter penalties and proactive patrolling aims to reduce fatalities and ensure driver safety. The question of the effectiveness of these measures remains a subject of debate.
However, it is evident that the state is using a multifaceted approach. In addition to enhanced enforcement periods and cases that can be reviewed by the DMV before court, other measures come into effect in 2026.
A pilot program for using automated speed cameras, which began several years ago, is expanding. After a period of use in San Francisco, such a system will be implemented in Los Angeles.
Patrol officers are also using various tactics to block participants in illegal street races or sideshows. Throughout the year, accident statistics will be tracked to assess whether positive dynamics are observed in the “Golden State.”
Officers received several calls about a large group of vehicles participating in street racing on the southbound 110 Freeway. Officers caught up to the group; over 21 individuals were arrested and dozens of vehicles were impounded. Street racing endangers the lives of everyone. @Chp_SouthLA pic.twitter.com/QwN1H9Yqnq — CHP Headquarters (@CHP_HQ) December 29, 2025
This data clearly demonstrates that problems with speed compliance, driving under the influence, and dangerous maneuvers remain systemic for California. The authorities’ response is intensifying, moving from traditional patrols to automated control systems and pre-court administrative decisions. The success of this strategy will depend not only on the severity of penalties but also on their inevitability, as well as the ability to change driving culture. The expansion of pilot programs, such as automated cameras, indicates a search for more scalable and cost-effective solutions for continuous monitoring.