3.1 - Vehicle Policies

California Highway Patrol | Standard Operating Procedures

Each trooper is issued a vehicle based on their respective rank. The only time an exception can be made to the vehicle structure is for Troopers that are active in a subdivision. The Chain of Command has the ability to remove access to a vehicle for any Trooper as a punishment for misbehaviour or failure to safely use the vehicle. Failure to abide by this guidance may result in disciplinary action.

Troopers should take special care to understand that their vehicles are their office, and also contain weapons systems which need to be protected by locking their vehicle. All vehicles are fitted with radar systems, Mobile Data Terminals, a weapons rack and Troopers are supplied with Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs).

No Trooper is authorized to engage in a vehicle pursuit, or respond to any call for service beyond the scene in which they are presently engaged while transporting a detainee in their vehicle. No Trooper will operate in their vehicle which can be dangerous to the safety or well-being of any detainee being transported in their vehicle.

All Troopers of the California Highway Patrol are expected to operate their vehicles with due regard to the safety of persons and property at all times, include when utilizing their emergency signals. No Trooper shall utilize their emergency signals to evade traffic signals or for purposes other than responding to calls for service. Those found abusing their emergency signals are subject to disciplinary action.

It is understood that extreme circumstances may result in the unsafe operation of a motor vehicle by an Trooper, however, Troopers are expected to always mitigate the danger of any situation in which they are involved in.

Troopers of the California Highway Patrol are authorized to provide “courtesy rides” to individuals which they have made contact and identified if the individual(s) have been stranded as the result of a crime or accident. Troopers are expected to exercise good judgment in the decision to offer courtesy rides to citizens and shall be compliant with the provisions of 3.1.a,b, and c above when transporting the individual(s). Troopers MUST identify all transportees prior to entry.

Troopers may choose not to transport citizens in their vehicles as a courtesy if they so choose. This shall always be at the discretion of the Trooper.

Troopers should not use their vehicle as a weapon against foot pedestrians, but it is understood that in certain high-priority circumstances the Troopers vehicle is a weapon of opportunity and the most practical choice. When an Trooper uses their vehicle to ram any pedestrian or vehicle, that Trooper needs to report it to a supervisor as soon as possible. A vehicle will never be used to ram an unarmed pedestrian. But maybe used to block or make very minimal contact with a low velocity in foot pursuits. Members of the Office of the Superintendent are Exempt from the above policies.

The Office of the Commissioner pertains to the right to operate outside of any listed structures/ rules.