The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has launched a new fleet of low-profile patrol vehicles designed to crack down on reckless driving—described by authorities as “video game-style” behavior on the roads.

The state is deploying 100 new 2024 Dodge Durangos, each equipped with a V8 HEMI engine, a police pursuit package, and hidden emergency lights—all while maintaining factory paint jobs to blend in with regular traffic.

The mission: catch drivers exceeding 100 MPH and those driving aggressively on California highways. In 2024 alone, CHP has issued nearly 18,000 citations for extreme speeding in a state that sees more than 390,000 traffic accidents annually.

These Specially Marked Patrol Vehicles (SMPVs) have stirred debate online. Some critics accuse CHP of using stealth vehicles to boost ticket revenue, while others worry about the reduced visibility of law enforcement on the roads.

However, Officer Alec Pereyda clarified that the CHP receives no direct funding from traffic citations and that the vehicles meet all legal requirements. “These are not unmarked or undercover vehicles. They are fully operational units with legally mandated markings,” he said.

The first 25 Durangos are already patrolling the busiest freeways. According to CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee, the goal is to enhance road safety without compromising the element of surprise.

This initiative is a response to dangerous behaviors such as rapid lane changes, excessive speeding, and overall aggressive driving—problems CHP says have surged post-pandemic. These vehicles are part of a broader strategy to increase enforcement, deter risky driving habits, and promote safer roads across California.