The California Highway Patrol launches a 12-hour statewide crackdown on impaired driving at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2.
The agency's Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) runs through 5:59 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. All uniformed CHP personnel across California will increase patrols and focus on identifying and stopping drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the CHP said in its official announcement. The operation covers every CHP-patrolled highway and state route in California, including San Diego County corridors.
CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said in the press release that "CHP personnel of every rank will make it their mission to identify and remove impaired drivers from our roads."
Last year's results
During last October's 12-hour enforcement period, held over Halloween weekend, CHP officers arrested more than 500 impaired drivers statewide. Officers also issued nearly 2,000 speeding citations, including 96 for drivers traveling faster than 100 mph, as first reported by Fox 5 San Diego.
CHP data covering 2022 through 2024 show that alcohol- or drug-impaired driving contributed to an average of nearly 800 fatal crashes per year on California roads. Those same three years saw more than 39,400 injury crashes tied to impairment statewide, according to the agency's Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, as reported by Patch.
Other substances count
The CHP warned that impairment is not limited to alcohol. Cannabis, prescription medications, illegal drugs and some over-the-counter medications can also affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely.
How to report a suspected impaired driver
The CHP asks anyone who spots a suspected impaired driver to call 911 and provide the vehicle's make, model, license plate number and direction of travel. Signs of impairment include driving unusually slowly, swerving between lanes or nearly colliding with obstacles.
The agency urged drivers heading out Friday night to designate a sober driver, use public transportation or arrange a rideshare.
