Edhat Staff
California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers intercepted a motorcyclist traveling 120 miles per hour (mph) on southbound Highway 101, north of Hollister Ave this weekend during the agency’s Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).
The reckless driver, who CHP stated posed a serious threat to road safety, was stopped immediately, and the motorcycle was impounded on the spot.
From 6:00 AM Saturday to 5:59 AM Sunday, CHP stated they will continue efforts on reducing unsafe speed during the MEP.
Speeding continues to be one of the leading causes of fatalities and injuries on California roads. In 2023 alone, unsafe speed contributed to over 116,000 crashes, resulting in nearly 500 deaths and 48,000 injuries.
The trend remains concerning in 2025, with CHP officers issuing 243,000 speed-related citations so far this year—47,000 of which were for speeds exceeding 100 MPH.
To combat dangerous driving behaviors, CHP has deployed 100 low-profile Special Patrol Vehicles (SMPVs) across the state. These unassuming vehicles monitor traffic and identify reckless drivers who might otherwise evade detection.
Since deployment, officers have issued over 2,700 citations using SMPVs.
CHP urges drivers to “Drive smart, slow down, and save lives.” By working together to reduce unsafe speeds, California can aim for a safer future on its highways.
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I hope that was the same idiot I saw going down Gutierrez easily well over 60-70mph.
I love motorcycles but, damn.
I understand the danger posed by any motorist driving excessive speed. But, if the 120/65 violation is only a citable offense what is the authority to seize the bike?
More than 15mph over the speed limit -> reckless driving, can result in immediate impoundment.
Anon – What (law) allows the seizure of a vehicle because it was being driven 120mph? The driver was not cited/arrested for reckless driving. I’m all for impounding the bike but if it’s my name on the impound order what law do I cite that allows me to take this bike? If there is no law authorizing the impound/seizure can I be held liable for an unlawful seizure of the drivers property?
Official cause of impounding the ‘cycle would be the likelihood of repeat performances until he gets squished, causes a terrible accident or both. The cause of the behavior could be any combination of age, high-spirits, springtime, mating season & hormones and stupidity or ignorance. It’s amazing any of us survive a combination of those.
It was a Harley Davidson. Most of those wouldn’t do 120mph if you dropped them out of an airplane. Either that one was highly modified, or it was BS. Japanese motorcycles and the odd Italian Ducati or Aprilia, some of those will run close to 200 mph out of the box.. The CHP Chargers can catch the 120mph Harleys, but not 180 mph+ Super sports bikes. Ask the CHP how many get away from them. I hear them nearly every night going across the Santa Maria River bridge. It sounds like they chase them for 20 or 30 seconds, then the sirens stop and the bike keeps going.
‘Maximum Enforcement Period’? I never see CHP ticketing reckless drivers. SBPD needs to enforce traffic laws too.
Stop driving with your eyes closed.