California Starts 24-Hour Speeding Enforcement to Keep Roads Safe
California Highway Patrol Launches 24-Hour Maximum Enforcement on Speeding
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is set to initiate a 24-hour Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) starting on Tuesday at 6 a.m. The operation aims to curb speeding in an effort to reduce serious and fatal crashes across the state.
The enforcement period will run until 5:59 a.m. Wednesday, with officers actively monitoring roadways throughout the day and night. "There is no safe time or place to drive at unsafe speeds," emphasized the CHP.
During the operation, law enforcement will target drivers exceeding posted speed limits or traveling at unsafe speeds given current road conditions. In a statement, CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee highlighted the risks associated with speeding, stating, “Speeding continues to be one of the leading causes of serious and fatal crashes on California’s roadways. When drivers choose to exceed safe speeds, they reduce their ability to react and increase the risk for everyone on the road. Slowing down is one of the simplest steps that drivers can take to protect themselves and others.”
Data from the CHP reveals a troubling trend: in 2025, over 491,000 speeding-related citations were issued, leading to more than 110,000 crashes caused by unsafe speeds. These incidents resulted in over 400 fatalities and left more than 68,000 individuals injured.
In December, the CHP took a proactive step by collaborating with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to launch the Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets (FAST) program. This pilot initiative expedites the removal of drivers caught exceeding 100 mph, automatically sending citations to the DMV’s Driver Safety Branch, which holds the power to suspend or revoke licenses.
The CHP reiterated the importance of adhering to speed limits: “Speeding often saves only seconds, but the consequences of a crash can last a lifetime. The agency encourages drivers to slow down, stay focused, and do their part to keep California’s roadways safe. Choosing to drive at a safe speed not only protects the driver but also passengers, pedestrians, and others sharing the road.”
