CA Just Rolled Out A New Generation Of Stealthy Police Cars And Here's What They Look Like

SACRAMENTO, CA — Think that SUV in your rearview mirror is just another commuter? Think again.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has rolled out a fleet of stealth enforcement vehicles aimed at cracking down on what it calls "video game-styled" driving, or dangerous behavior like lane weaving, triple-digit speeds, and road rage.

The stealthy vehicles are already blending into the freeway traffic to catch the lead-footed and tailgaters unaware.

"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 CHP said in a news release.

The agency is deploying a "new generation" of 100 specially marked, low-profile Dodge Durangos designed to blend into traffic just enough to observe the most reckless drivers without immediate detection.

"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 V8 Durangos will be driven by officers in full uniform, primarily on multi-lane freeways, according to Duryee.

As enforcement begins, the Durangos’ markings are "a clear reminder that safety is the CHP’s top priority," the agency said.

By the numbers

Fleet Expansion

• 100 low-profile Dodge Durangos are joining CHP’s high-performance fleet of Chargers and Explorers
• 25 vehicles are already on California roads
• All 100 will be positioned on "high-risk" highways by June

Reckless Driving

• More than 390,000 crashes occur in California every year
• Nearly 1,000 reports of reckless driving are made daily
• In 2024 alone, CHP issued nearly 18,000 citations for drivers going over 100 mph

The Danger of Speed

• Speed is a factor in about 30 percent of all crashes
• It reduces reaction time, increases stopping distance, and makes collisions more severe
• It’s a major contributor to traffic injuries and fatalities

"Our goal remains the same: reduce injuries, prevent fatalities, and restore a sense of safety on California’s roadways," the CHP continued. "We urge all drivers to obey speed limits, avoid aggressive behavior, and share the road responsibly."

"Speed isn’t a thrill—it’s a threat. And the CHP is responding."

CHP is deploying the next generation of Specially Marked Patrol Vehicles—distinctive colors with a version of the traditional CHP markings in sharp contrast on the doors. These SMPVs support efforts to stop reckless and dangerous driving.#CaliforniaHighwayPatrol #SMPV pic.twitter.com/MWgRBfkEP0
— CHP Southern (@CHPsouthern) May 8, 2025

But critics argue the CHP is sacrificing the deterrent effect of visible patrol cars in favor of catching more speeders after the fact.

That includes San Diego traffic-violation attorney Mitchell Mehdy, known as "Mr. Ticket," who shared his thoughts with CBS 8.

"I don't think it's going to make it any safer. I think it's just going to be enforced stronger, and I think that it will increase the revenue," he said. "It's always interesting how the government functions. It always seems that whenever they do something, they accidentally make more money."

SEE ALSO: CHP Welcomes 6 New K9 Teams: CA Photo Of The Week

Many social media commenters reflected similar sentiments. "Fight me in a crown vic you cowards," one X user raged.