CHP's New Stealth Durango Nabs Biker Exceeding 100 MPH on Hwy 101

SANTA ROSA, CA – A motorcyclist was cited recently on Highway 101 in Santa Rosa for traveling at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour and operating without a proper motorcycle endorsement. The apprehension was made by a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer utilizing one of the agency's newly deployed "Specially Marked Patrol Vehicles" (SMPVs), a Dodge Durango designed for discreet traffic enforcement. The motorcycle was subsequently impounded.

The incident gained attention after Henry K. Lee shared details on social media, stating, > "Biker going 100+ mph on Hwy 101 cited for speed & no motorcycle endorsement, ride impounded by @CHPSantaRosa officer in stealth Dodge Durango." The CHP Santa Rosa's Instagram account further confirmed the stop, noting the use of their new patrol vehicle.

The CHP recently introduced a fleet of 100 Dodge Durango SMPVs statewide to combat what Commissioner Sean Duryee describes as "video game-styled" driving, characterized by aggressive lane weaving and triple-digit speeds. These vehicles, distinct from traditional black-and-white cruisers, feature factory paint jobs and subtle markings, allowing officers to blend into traffic and observe reckless behavior without immediate detection. The agency aims to deploy all 100 units on California's busiest, high-risk roadways by June.

The deployment comes as California grapples with a significant issue of excessive speeding. In the past year, CHP officers issued nearly 18,000 citations to drivers exceeding 100 mph. Speed is cited as a factor in approximately 30% of all crashes in the state, contributing significantly to traffic fatalities and injuries. The CHP emphasizes that these new vehicles are a critical tool in their mission to reduce injuries, prevent fatalities, and restore a sense of safety on California's roadways.

Beyond the dangerous speed, the motorcyclist also faced charges for not possessing a valid motorcycle endorsement, a mandatory requirement for operating a motorcycle in California. Operating a vehicle without the correct license or endorsement can lead to significant fines, vehicle impoundment, and further legal penalties. The impoundment of the motorcycle underscores the serious consequences for such violations, reinforcing the CHP's commitment to enforcing traffic laws for public safety.