Incognito police vehicles begin catching law violators in Northern California

(FOX40.COM) — The California Highway Patrol unveiled specially marked patrol vehicles this month to help them operate more discreetly when catching people who break the law. So far, it seems to be working.
• Video Above: CHP taking a bold new approach to crack down on dangerous driving

CHP in the Yuba-Sutter area said it was issued a new incognito vehicle on Wednesday. Almost immediately, it caught a Lexus driving at a dangerous speed on the freeway.

The California Highway Patrol began to use specially marked patrol vehicles in May, 2025./CHP

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“We made it exactly two miles from Fleet Operations in West Sacramento when we had the Lexus cruise by us at 97 miles per hour in the carpool lane,” CHP said. “Our officer had an electronic ticket device, which made quick work of issuing an out-of-area citation to the driver.”

CHP said the citing was the purpose of the new vehicles.

“He didn’t see us when he passed us. This is what these SMPV’s are designed to do – To stop the egregious offenders.”

CHP added, “Pre-answering the question on how to avoid being stopped by this SMPV? Simply obey the rules of the road and you will never see it.”

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