CHP’s Independence Day Maximum Enforcement Period begins Wednesday

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The California Highway Patrol announced a four-day Maximum Enforcement Period set to start Wednesday evening ahead of the Independence Day holiday.

CHP officers will be at maximum enforcement beginning at 6:01 p.m. Wednesday July 3, and will continue through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday July 7. The statewide enforcement period will focus on stopping speeding on highway’s as it is the main reason for crashes in the Golden State, according to CHP.

During last year’s Fourth of July MEP, 68 people were killed in crashes throughout the state. Almost half of the the 68 people killed in 2023 were not wearing seatbelts, CHP said through a news release Monday.

Statewide CHP officers were able to make 1,224 DUI arrests during the 102-hour enforcement period. Which averages to one DUI arrest every five minutes.

The department urges everyone to designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get around town and celebrate the holiday safely.

If you see a drunk or impaired driver, call 911 immediately. Be sure to give the dispatcher details about the vehicle like license plate number, location and direction of travel.

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