Better watch out, California Highway Patrol will be out in force this holiday season

The California Highway Patrol is launching the first of two statewide holiday maximum enforcement periods starting Christmas Eve. —

The patrol begins 6:01 p.m. Tuesday, and concludes 11:59 p.m. Christmas Day. During the enforcement period, officers across California will increase their patrols with an eye out for impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and seat belt violations.

“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, in a statement announcing the enforcement period. “Each of us has a role in making California’s roads safer.”

Twenty motorists died last year on California roadways patrolled by the CHP during the 78 hours of last year’s holiday maximum enforcement period, said CHP officials. Patrol officers during the same period arrested more than 900 motorists suspected of driving under the influence.

This story was originally published December 20, 2024 at 11:01 AM.

Darrell Smith

The Sacramento Bee

916-321-1040

Darrell Smith is a local reporter for The Sacramento Bee. He joined The Bee in 2006 and previously worked at newspapers in Palm Springs, Colorado Springs and Marysville. Smith was born and raised at Beale Air Force Base and lives in Elk Grove.