California Highway Patrol is tightening its grip on holiday roads, warning that a single reckless decision could cost a life. Beginning Wednesday evening, the agency will launch its annual Christmastime ‘holiday enforcement period’ (HEP), deploying every available officer to clamp down on drunk or drug-impaired drivers, speeders and other traffic violators. The campaign, which follows a tradition of aggressive enforcement during the Christmas season, is a reminder that the road is not a playground. The announcement comes as traffic volumes rise and families travel across the state.
The HEP Begins
The HEP kicks off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, when all officers who are on duty are expected to patrol highways, county roads and urban streets. The focus is on high-risk behaviors, including driving under the influence, speeding, and other dangerous violations that can lead to fatal accidents. CHP officers will be on the move from the moment the clock strikes six, ready to issue citations or make arrests as needed. Officers will also monitor for distracted driving and seat belt violations.
Short but Intense
The enforcement period will last roughly 30 hours, wrapping up late Thursday night. The brief window is designed to catch drivers who may take advantage of the holiday rush, especially when Christmas falls midweek. By concentrating resources during this narrow timeframe, the CHP aims to deter risky driving and reduce the number of crashes that typically spike during the holiday season. The CHP believes that a concentrated effort can catch more offenders than a spread-out approach.
Commissioner’s Warning
Commissioner Sean Duryee emphasized the stakes of holiday driving, saying, “Every instance of speeding or reckless driving carries the potential for life-changing consequences,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. He added that CHP officers witness the destruction caused by such choices daily and urged drivers to slow down, stay alert, and make decisions that protect themselves and others. No destination is worth risking a life. Duryee’s remarks come after several high-profile accidents involving impaired drivers.
DUI Arrests Decline
Last Christmas, CHP officers arrested just over 300 motorists on suspicion of driving under the influence, a dramatic drop from about 900 the year before. The reduction reflects the agency’s intensified focus on DUI enforcement during the holiday period. Officers across California were tasked with identifying impaired drivers and bringing them to justice, underscoring the importance of sobriety on the roads. The reduction in arrests aligns with the CHP’s broader DUI reduction strategy.
Campaign Length Variations
The 2024 campaign was shorter than the previous year because Christmas fell on a Wednesday, making the enforcement window a single day and night. In contrast, the 2023 campaign spanned a full three days and nights because Christmas fell on a Monday. The timing of the holiday significantly influences the length and intensity of the CHP’s enforcement efforts. The shorter campaign also reflects logistical considerations of police deployment.
Fatalities Drop
Within CHP jurisdiction, 17 people died in crashes during Christmas 2024, compared to 20 the year before. The agency’s data show a modest decline in fatalities, suggesting that enforcement and public awareness may have contributed to safer driving conditions during the holiday season. The figures highlight the ongoing need for vigilance on the roads. This decline suggests that enforcement and public messaging may have an impact.
Speeding Tickets Surge
The 2024 HEP also yielded a record number of speeding tickets, with 2,251 citations issued. Of those, 132 motorists were caught driving over 100 mph. CHP officials say the crackdown on speeders is a key component of the campaign, aiming to reduce high-speed incidents that often result in severe injuries or fatalities. The high number of tickets underscores the prevalence of speeding during holiday traffic.
FAST Program
The speed-enforcement push is part of a pilot program called Forward Actions for Speeding Tickets, or FAST. Launched earlier this year, FAST deploys 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles to monitor and target high-speed drivers. The program’s goal is to increase detection of speeding violations and deter motorists from exceeding posted limits, thereby improving overall traffic safety. The initiative also aims to collect data on speed patterns across the state.
Speed Limits Matter
The CHP reiterated the importance of obeying speed limits, stating, “Every decision behind the wheel matters, and obeying the speed limit can make the difference between arriving safely or not at all,” the CHP said. The message underscores that even minor lapses in speed control can lead to catastrophic outcomes, especially during the busy holiday travel period. The CHP emphasizes that speed limits are set to protect all road users.
New Year’s Eve HEP
Looking ahead, another holiday enforcement period is slated for New Year’s Eve. CHP officials plan to repeat the intensive patrol strategy used during Christmas, focusing on impaired driving, speeding, and other dangerous behaviors that increase the risk of accidents during the year’s final celebrations. The agency hopes the renewed focus will keep drivers safe as they head into the new year. Officials hope the New Year’s Eve campaign will deter last-minute road rage incidents.
Key Takeaways
- The HEP starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday and runs for about 30 hours.
- Last year’s DUI arrests fell to just over 300, a sharp decline from 900.
- 2,251 speeding tickets were issued, with 132 motorists over 100 mph.
- The FAST program deploys 100 marked patrol vehicles to target speeders.
- Another enforcement period is planned for New Year’s Eve.
- Enforcement periods aim to reduce fatalities during peak travel.
Closing
California Highway Patrol’s Christmas holiday enforcement period demonstrates the agency’s commitment to reducing crashes during the busiest travel season. By concentrating resources, issuing thousands of citations, and launching targeted programs like FAST, the CHP aims to make holiday roads safer for everyone. Drivers are urged to heed the warning: a single reckless choice can end a life, and the stakes are higher than ever during the holiday season. The CHP will continue to evaluate the campaign’s effectiveness in the coming months.
