Archive for the ‘CHP’ Category

CHP highlights new laws for 2025

Saturday, December 28th, 2024

Includes reckless driving & sideshow enforcement, electric bicycle safety, autonomous vehicles, retail theft, more

SACRAMENTO – As we head into the new year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting the new public safety laws that were passed during this year’s legislative session and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Unless otherwise noted, the laws referenced below take effect on January 1, 2025.

Tools to Address Reckless Driving and Sideshows:

Vehicles: Speed Contests (AB 1978, Sanchez)

Assembly Bill 1978 permits storing a vehicle when an individual is arrested but not taken into custody for obstructing or placing a barricade a highway or off-street parking facility for purposes of aiding a speed contest or exhibition of speed.

Vehicles: Impoundment (AB 2186, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2186 permits the arrest and custody of individuals engaged in an exhibition of speed in an off-street parking facility. It also permits the impounding of the individual’s vehicle for not more than 30 days.

Vehicles: Sideshows and Street Takeovers (AB 2807, Villapudua)

Assembly Bill 2807 defines a “sideshow” and a “street takeover” as the same type of event.

Vehicles: Removal and Impoundment (AB 3085, Gipson)

Assembly Bill 3085 provides authority to seize and impound a vehicle with a warrant when the vehicle was used in violation of a speed contest or exhibition of speed (including aiding or abetting). This bill also permits electronic service of the notices of impoundment and storage hearings. 

Emergency Alert Information Sharing:

Electronic Toll Collection Systems: Information Sharing: Law Enforcement (AB 2645, Lackey)

Assembly Bill 2645 allows transportation agencies operating electronic toll collection systems to share real-time license plate data with law enforcement during active emergency alerts, such as AMBER, Ebony, or Feather Alerts. This legislation eliminates the need for a search warrant in such situations, enabling quicker responses to locate suspect vehicles linked to emergencies, such as child abductions.

Electric Bicycle Safety:

Electric Bicycles, Powered Mobility Devices and Storage (SB 1271, Min)

Beginning January 1, 2026, SB 1271 focuses on improving the safety standards for electric bicycles (e-bikes), powered mobility devices, and related lithium-ion batteries. It requires these devices and their components, such as batteries and charging systems, to be tested by accredited laboratories to meet specific safety standards. The bill also mandates labeling these products to show compliance with safety regulations, ensuring consumers are informed. Furthermore, it prohibits distributing, selling, or leasing e-bikes and related equipment unless they meet these standards, aiming to reduce risks like fire hazards and electrical malfunctions. Beginning January 1, 2028, the bill would prohibit a person from renting or offering for rental an electric bicycle, powered mobility device, charging system, or storage battery unless it has been tested to the specified safety standard.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 1774, Gipson)

Assembly Bill 1774 prohibits modifying an electric bicycle’s speed capability to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle.  Also, it prohibits selling a product or device that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 1778, Connolly)

Assembly Bill 1778 authorizes a local authority within the County of Marin, or the County of Marin in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle or requiring a person operating a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a helmet.

Vehicles: Electric Bicycles (AB 2234, Boerner)

Assembly Bill 2234 establishes the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Program and authorizes a local authority within the County of San Diego, or the County of San Diego in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 12 years of age from operating a class 1 or 2 electric bicycle.

Photo Enforced Speed Enforcement Pilot Program:

The City of Malibu’s Speed Safety System Pilot Program (SB 1297, Allen)

Senate Bill 1297 establishes a five-year Speed Safety System Pilot Program in the City of Malibu. The bill defines a ‘speed safety system’ as a fixed or mobile radar or laser system, or any other electronic device that utilizes automated equipment, to detect a violation of speed laws and obtains a clear photograph of a speeding vehicle’s license plate. The bill establishes mandates regarding policy, enforcement, implementation, public notification, and a system evaluation report.

Clean Air Vehicle Sticker Extension:

Vehicles: High-Occupancy Vehicle Lanes (AB 2678, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2678 permits vehicles with a Clean Air Vehicle decal to drive in High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes until January 1, 2027, if federal law permits.

Autonomous Vehicles:

Vehicle Equipment: Driver Monitoring Defeat Devices (SB 1313, Ashby)

Senate Bill 1313 prohibits using, possessing, or selling devices designed to interfere with driver monitoring systems in vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems or autonomous technology. These systems monitor driver alertness and help ensure safety when automated features are used. Violating this law is classified as an infraction. Exceptions are provided for manufacturers testing new technology, vehicle repairs, and updates compliant with safety standards or modifications for disability accommodations. This law aims to enhance road safety by preventing tampering with critical monitoring systems.  

Autonomous Vehicles Interactions with First Responders and Traffic Violation Notices – AB 1777 (Ting)

Upon the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adoption of necessary regulations, AB 1777 creates new authority for a law enforcement officer to issue a “notice of autonomous vehicle (AV) noncompliance” to an AV manufacturer for an alleged traffic violation committed by one of their vehicles.  Beginning July 1, 2026, AB 1777 establishes additional requirements for how AVs that operate without a human operator in the vehicle interact with first responders, including a requirement for manufacturers to provide a two-way device in the vehicles to communicate with first responders.  

Pedestrian Safety Around Buses:

Transit buses: Yield Right-of-Way Sign (AB 1904, Ward)

Assembly Bill 1904 authorizes a transit agency to equip a transit bus with a “yield” right-of-way sign on the left rear of the bus.  The sign may be a static decal or a flashing light-emitting diode (LED).

License Plate Manipulation:

License Plates: Obstruction or Alteration (AB 2111, Wallis)

Assembly Bill 2111 prohibits any alteration of a license plate’s reflective coating to avoid detection from any entity, not just law enforcement.

Property Theft from a Vehicle:

Crimes: Theft from A Vehicle (SB 905, Wiener)

Senate Bill 905 creates the crime of Unlawful Entry of a Vehicle, which addresses unlawfully entering a vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or any felony. It also adds the crime of Automotive Property Theft for Resale, which addresses possessing stolen property obtained from a vehicle with the intent to sell or exchange the property for value. The property’s value must be over $950.00 and not for personal use. The value of property can be combined within two years of separate acts. 

Combating Retail Theft:

Crimes: Organized Theft (SB 982, Wahab)

Senate Bill 982 makes the crime of organized retail theft permanent and strengthens measures to address retail crime. The bill eliminates the expiration date for specific provisions targeting organized retail theft, ensuring long-term tools for law enforcement to combat this issue.

Crimes: Fires (SB 1242, Min)

Senate Bill 1242 amends Penal Code Section 452 regarding the unlawful setting of fires. It updates penalties and legal language to clarify offenses, including circumstances involving organized retail theft.

Sentencing Enhancements: Sale, Exchange, Or Return of Stolen Property (SB 1416 Newman)

Senate Bill 1416 focuses on combating organized retail theft by increasing penalties for those involved in the resale of stolen goods, often referred to as “fencing.” The bill, until January 1, 2030, creates sentencing enhancements for individuals who sell, exchange, or return stolen property for value, particularly when the property exceeds specific thresholds. Punishment increases from one year to four years based on a property value scale ranging from $50,000 to over $3 million.

Theft: Jurisdiction (AB 1779, Irwin)

Assembly Bill 1779 addresses the issue of organized retail theft by streamlining the prosecution process. Specifically, it allows district attorneys to consolidate charges for theft offenses committed across multiple counties into a single trial, provided all affected county district attorneys agree.

Crimes: Organized Theft (AB 1802, Jones-Sawyer)

Assembly Bill 1802 ensures that the crime of organized retail theft remains permanently defined in state law and extends the CHP’s Property Crimes Task Force indefinitely. This bill eliminates the “sunset” clause that would have otherwise allowed the statute and the task force to expire.

Regional Property Crimes Task Force (AB 1972, Alanis)

Assembly Bill 1972 expands the scope of the CHP’s Regional Property Crimes Task Force to include cargo theft as a property crime for consideration and requires the task force to provide logistical and law enforcement support for railroad police.

This bill emphasizes cargo theft as a specific priority and aims to strengthen resources for law enforcement agencies to combat these issues. As an urgency statute, AB 1972 went into effect immediately upon its passage in August 2024 to address these concerns promptly.

Crimes: Shoplifting (AB 2943, Zbur)

Assembly Bill 2943, also called the “California Retail Theft Reduction Act,” strengthens measures to combat organized retail theft by creating a specific crime for serial retail theft, allowing the aggregation of property value for thefts committed within 90 days to qualify as grand theft. It empowers law enforcement to make arrests using video evidence or sworn statements, shields businesses from lawsuits for reporting crimes and promotes rehabilitation through diversion programs for minor offenders. The bill aims to dismantle theft rings while balancing public safety and criminal justice reforms.

Crimes: Theft: Retail Theft Restraining Orders (AB 3209, Berman)

Assembly Bill 3209 creates a retail crime restraining order.  A court may issue a restraining order when sentencing an individual for specific retail theft-related crimes, including vandalism of a retail store and assaulting a retail store employee.  The restraining order prohibits the individual from entering or being on the grounds of the establishment and may include parking lots adjacent to and used by the establishment.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

CHP to hold statewide Maximum Enforcement Period for Christmas

Sunday, December 22nd, 2024

Tuesday & Wednesday, Dec. 24 & 25

SACRAMENTO – As families prepare to celebrate the holidays, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds everyone to prioritize safety on the road. To keep travelers safe throughout the busy holiday season, the CHP is initiating the first of two statewide Maximum Enforcement Periods (MEP) this month to reduce traffic incidents by targeting unsafe driving behaviors and assisting motorists.

The CHP’s Christmas MEP begins at 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, and continues until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, December 25. During this period, the CHP will increase patrols throughout the state to deter dangerous driving behaviors, including impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and seat belt violations. The CHP also encourages the public to report unsafe drivers by calling 9-1-1.

“This time of year is about celebrating with family and friends, but it’s also a time when traffic incidents increase due to poor driving decisions,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Each of us has a role in making California’s roads safer. Let’s work together to keep this holiday season free of tragedy.”

Last year, during the 78-hour Christmas MEP, 20 people lost their lives in crashes within CHP jurisdiction. In addition, CHP officers made over 900 arrests for driving under the influence.

Let’s make safety our top priority on the road! Buckle up, drive responsibly, and if you’re celebrating, always plan for a sober ride. Your thoughtful choices can help prevent crashes and keep California’s roads safe for everyone. Celebrate wisely and drive with care!

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

High-speed Antioch to Pittsburg Hwy 4 chase ends in crash, arrest of juvenile

Tuesday, November 19th, 2024
The high-speed chase ended in a crash of the suspect’s vehicle on the Loveridge Road overpass in Pittsburg on Saturday night, Nov. 16, 2024. Source: CHP Golden Gate Air Operations video screenshot

4 felony arrests, 4 stolen vehicles recovered, meth seized during proactive enforcement

Thank You, CHP & Kensington PD!

By Antioch Police Department

Saturday night, Nov. 16, 2024, Antioch PD, with incredible support from the California Highway Patrol and the Kensington Police Department, conducted a proactive enforcement detail targeting crime hot spots across our city. Here’s a recap of the evening’s efforts:

  • Cavallo Road/18th Street Pursuit: Officers attempted to stop an Infiniti, but the driver failed to yield, resulting in a pursuit that reached speeds of over 110 MPH. Thanks to CHP – Golden Gate Division Air Operations Air 37, officers were able to back off the pursuit, allowing the air unit to monitor the vehicle from the sky. This approach significantly enhanced safety for both our officers and the public, while still maintaining control of the situation. The pursuit ended on the Loveridge Road overpass, where the vehicle crashed into a wall. All occupants fled on foot but were quickly apprehended by Antioch PD and CHP officers. The vehicle, identified as an unreported stolen, was recovered, and the driver was booked at Juvenile Hall. (See surveillance video)
  • Sycamore Square Patrols: Officers observed light foot and vehicle traffic in Sycamore Square, Peppertree and Lemontree areas. During one of the evening’s first traffic stops, officers recovered an occupied stolen vehicle. The driver was taken into custody and booked at the County Jail.
  • Additional Patrols: Officers checked the W. 10th Street and D Street/20th Street areas with no unusual activity reported. Patrols returned to the 18th Street corridor for further vehicle stops.

Stats from the Night:

Traffic Stops: 54

Citations Issued: 7

Felony Arrests: 4

Stolen Vehicles Recovered: 4

Narcotics Seized: 16.2 grams of Meth

Thanks to our increased officer numbers and the continued cooperation of our partner agencies, these proactive patrols will continue into the future to ensure a sustained focus on community safety.

A special thank you to CHP and KPD for their continued partnership!

Focusing on crime hot spots and working collaboratively helps keep our community safe. Thank you for your trust and support!

#CommunitySafety #CrimeHotSpots #CHPAir37 #PublicSafety #Teamwork #AntiochPD #KensingtonPD

CHP receives $2 million federal grant to crack down on dangerous sideshows, street racing in state

Sunday, November 3rd, 2024
Sideshow at W. 10th Street and Auto Center Drive on Saturday night, May 29, 2021. Source: Antioch PD drone video screenshot

Helps fund the STREET III – Sideshow, Takeover, Racing, Education, and Enforcement Taskforce

By CHP Media Relations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) received $2 million in federal funding that will expand its major crackdown on dangerous sideshows and street racing statewide, holding participants and organizers accountable for reckless driving behaviors.

Federal funding for the Sideshow, Takeover, Racing, Education, and Enforcement Taskforce (STREET III) grant comes after the CHP received $5.5 million in state funding to combat illegal street racing and sideshow activities, resulting in a 40% decrease in illegal sideshow incidents from 2021 to 2022. The STREET III grant aims to reduce the number of fatal and injury traffic crashes attributed to reckless driving, street racing, and sideshows. The CHP will implement a public awareness campaign to tackle these unlawful activities and conduct specialized enforcement operations such as excessive speeding behaviors where motorists are traveling more than 100 mph on state highways. Last year, CHP officers participating in specialized speed enforcement operations from January 2023 to July 2024 issued over 30,000 citations to motorists exceeding 100 mph.

“Sideshows and street takeovers are reckless, criminal activities that endanger our communities and make streets less safe. We have seen too many people killed or hurt at these illegal events. California will continue to ramp up our efforts to crack down on sideshows. For anyone considering attending a sideshow: know that not only do you risk getting hurt at these events, but you also risk the potential loss of your vehicle,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Since February, the CHP has made 1,125 arrests, seized 110 illegal guns, and recovered more than 2,000 stolen vehicles in Alameda County and the East Bay alone. Last month, Governor Newsom signed four bills into law that impose stricter penalties and strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat sideshows and street takeovers.

“The CHP’s top priority is the safety of our communities. This new grant allows us to strengthen our efforts in addressing the growing issues of sideshows and illegal street racing, which endanger lives and disrupt neighborhoods,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.“By increasing patrols, deploying advanced technology, and partnering with local organizations, we are committed to making our roads safer and holding those responsible for reckless driving accountable.”

Alongside allied agencies, the CHP established task forces to tackle the challenges posed by street racing and sideshows.  In addition, social media initiatives have been introduced to enhance public awareness regarding the dangers associated with aggressive driving behaviors, including illegal street racing and sideshows. The STREET III grant allows for a campaign starting this month through September 30, 2025. 

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

CHP secures $700K federal grant to boost motorcycle safety, awareness across state

Tuesday, October 15th, 2024
Source: CHP

By CHP Media Relations

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is launching Get Educated and Ride Safe VII (GEARS VII), a yearlong program that focuses on education and enforcement strategies to reduce motorcycle-related crashes and fatalities. The CHP received a $700,000 federal grant to fund the program.

 Provisional data from the federal fiscal year 2022-23 highlights the urgent need for such measures, with more than 7,000 motorcycle-involved crashes, resulting in 336 fatalities and more than 6,300 injuries within CHP jurisdiction.

“This grant will significantly enhance the CHP’s motorcycle safety and awareness programs by allowing us to continue educating both motorcyclists and drivers on safe practices,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “It’s a vital reminder that whether you’re driving a car or riding a motorcycle, everyone shares the responsibility for keeping our roads safe.”

 Throughout the grant period, CHP is ramping up motorcycle safety activities in regions with high crash rates and will participate in statewide and national traffic safety public awareness campaigns, including “National Motorcycle Ride Day” which was held on Saturday, October 12, 2024. These efforts will promote the use of U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmets and emphasize the importance of sharing the road with motorcyclists. Additionally, the CHP will increase enforcement in areas with motorcycle-involved crashes caused by speed, improper turns, and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.

Two-vehicle rollover crash on Hwy 4 follows calls to CHP of street racing, erratic driving

Monday, August 12th, 2024
The silver Lexus following the two-vehicle rollover crash its driver caused on Hwy 4 on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Photos by Allen D. Payton

Under investigation; adult female driver not wearing seatbelt

By Allen D. Payton

A two-vehicle collision on Highway 4 in Pittsburg Sunday afternoon, Aug. 11, 2024, occurred following calls to the CHP of “street racing” and “erratic driving” and caused a traffic back up. According to CHP-Contra Costa PIO Dan Gilmore, “The crash occurred on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. on Hwy 4 westbound east of Bailey Road.”

Dashcam video screenshots show the silver Lexus and a burgundy Dodge racing by another driver on Highway 4 on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Driver chose to remain anonymous

“A Silver Lexus driven by an adult female, who was the only occupant side swiped a Ford F-250 pickup truck driven by an adult male, also a sole occupant,” he stated. “While the crash call came out, there were also calls of street racing and erratic driving by the Lexus.”

“The Lexus driver lost control and crashed into the right shoulder guardrail, it overturned and landed on its wheels and came to rest in the right shoulder,” Gilmore continued. “The driver was not seat belted.”

“The crash resulted in minor injuries and complaints of pain. Both parties were transferred to the hospital where they were expected to recover,” he added.

Con Fire and CHP personnel attend to the driver of the pickup sideswiped by the Lexus on Hwy 4, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Photo by Allen D. Payton

Asked if it was a DUI Gilmore said, “No DUI is suspected.” Asked if the driver of the Lexus was arrested he stated, “Results are pending the investigation which is still ongoing.”

A driver on Hwy 4 at the time shared dashcam video and screenshots showing the Lexus and a Dodge passing by. The driver wrote, “Here is the video of the silver Lexus and burgundy Dodge.”

Check back later for any updates to this report.

CHP Contra Costa area welcomes five academy graduates

Friday, August 2nd, 2024
Photo: CHP – Contra Costa

By CHP Contra Costa

Last week, the CHP Contra Costa Area welcomed five new officers. These Officers recently completed their @chp_academy training, and reported to the CHP Contra Costa Area Office to begin an exciting and rewarding career.

Last week they started their three-month Field Training where they will put to practice the skills learned during their time at the Academy.

The CHP is actively hiring. Visit @chpcareers for information on the application and hiring process.

CHP needs help ID’g driver in major injury Hwy 4 hit-and-run crash in Antioch Sunday

Tuesday, July 30th, 2024

Four female passengers taken to local hospitals, one airlifted

By CHP Contra Costa

WE NEED YOUR HELP:

Major injury Hit-and-Run crash on SR-4 westbound in Antioch.

On Sunday afternoon, July 28th, at approximately 1:02 pm, CHP Contra Costa was advised of a two-vehicle hit-and-run crash on SR-4 westbound, just north of Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

At this location, an adult male was driving a burgundy Toyota Tacoma, occupied by himself and four other adult female passengers. At the same time and location, an unknown driver was traveling in an unknown dark pickup truck, with a trailer in tow, directly to the right of the Tacoma in the number two lane. The dark pickup made an unsafe lane change into the number one lane and crashed into the right side of the Tacoma. This crash caused the driver of the Tacoma to lose control. The Tacoma subsequently veered left and traveled into the grassy center divider where it overturned multiple times. The dark pickup truck was last seen fleeing the area on SR-4 westbound.

While the driver of the Tacoma was uninjured, the four passengers were injured from the crash, some seriously. One was airlifted to the hospital and the other three were transported by ambulance. All are expected to make full recoveries.

Upon initial investigation it was determined all occupants within the Tacoma were properly seat-belted. It is unknown whether the driver of the dark pickup truck was seat-belted during the crash and it is unknown if the crash is DUI related.

Asked for an update on a possible suspect, CHP-Contra Costa PIO Dan Gilmore said, “We’ve had a couple people reaching out. But no major leads and no one in custody, yet.”

This crash is still under investigation. If anyone witnessed the crash, the events leading up to, or has information/dash-cam footage of the crash/suspect, please contact CHP Contra Costa in Martinez, (925) 646-4980 or email your contact information to 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov to be contacted by the investigating officer.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.