CHP - Santa Maria

10/16/2026

🚔 YOUR LICENSE PLATE MUST BE CLEAR AND LEGIBLE! 🚔

Did you know that altering your California license plate to prevent it from being read by law enforcement or electronic license plate readers can violate California Vehicle Code § 5201.1(c)? ⚖️

As shown in this example, a license plate with a damaged or altered reflective surface can make it difficult to clearly identify the plate number.

📘 What does the law say?

California Vehicle Code § 5201.1(c) prohibits erasing, painting over, or altering a license plate’s reflective coating to avoid visual or electronic capture of the plate or its characters.

⚠️ Why does this matter?
🔹 License plates help law enforcement identify vehicles involved in crimes, crashes, and other traffic incidents.
🔹 Obscured, altered, or unreadable plates can make identifying a vehicle more difficult when it matters most.

✅ Safety tips for drivers:
✔️ Keep your license plates clean and clearly visible.
✔️ Never paint over, modify, or alter your plate.
✔️ Check your plate periodically for excessive wear, peeling, or damage.
✔️ Replace a damaged plate through the DMV when necessary.
✔️ Avoid products or modifications that interfere with license plate.

🚨 The bottom line: Your license plate is required equipment, not something to modify. Keep it visible, legible, and in compliance with California law!

👮‍♂️ The California Highway Patrol reminds everyone that safe driving includes following the laws that help keep our roadways safe for all.

10/16/2026

🚨 CRASH REMINDER: STAY IN CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE 🚨

Today, a vehicle crashed into a guardrail on the frontage road leading to the northbound US-101 on-ramp in Los Alamos. The impact caused the guardrail to pe*****te the vehicle. The driver sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.

The driver reported swerving to avoid an animal that crossed the roadway.

🐾 Unexpected hazards can happen in an instant. Whether it’s an animal, debris, or another sudden obstacle, how you react matters.

🚗 Safety reminders:
✅ Stay alert and scan the roadway ahead.
✅ Maintain a safe speed for the road and conditions.
✅ If an unexpected hazard appears, remain calm and maintain control of your vehicle.
✅ Avoid sudden, aggressive steering that could cause you to lose control.
✅ Always wear your seat belt.

Your safety is most important. Stay alert, stay in control, and make safe decisions so you can reach your destination safely.

10/14/2026

Honoring Officer Brian Liles

Yesterday, we gathered to lay CHP Officer Brian Liles to rest, honoring his service, sacrifice, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew and served alongside him.

Our hearts remain with his family, friends, and CHP family during this difficult time. His service will never be forgotten, and his legacy will live on.

Rest in peace, Officer Liles. We have the watch from here. 💙

10/09/2026

10/07/2026

🚛 MISSED THE EXIT? TAKE THE NEXT ONE!🚨

Earlier today, a big rig pulling doubles was traveling southbound on SR-135 when the driver missed the transition to southbound SR-1. Rather than continuing to the next available route, the driver attempted to cross over a divided section of the highway to make the missed transition. 🛣️🚫

The big rig left the roadway and became stuck in the soft dirt, requiring a tow truck to respond and pull the truck back onto the roadway. 🚨🪝🚛

The driver was cited for California Vehicle Code § 21651(a)(1).

👉 The lesson: Don’t wait until the last second to make your lane change or exit. If you miss your turnoff, don’t make an unsafe or illegal maneuver to get back to it. Continue safely, follow the roadway, and find the next legal opportunity to turn around or get back on route. 🛣️➡️

A few extra minutes on the road are always better than putting yourself—and everyone else—at risk. Plan ahead, watch for signs, and make your moves safely and legally. 👀🚔

DriveSafe

10/06/2026

🚨 TRAFFIC ALERT – SOUTHBOUND US-101 🚨

A semi-truck trailer caught fire on southbound US-101 near Alisos Canyon Road. The driver noticed the trailer was on fire, safely pulled over, and disconnected the trailer from his truck. Thankfully, the driver was not injured and the truck was not damaged. 🙏

The trailer was carrying approximately 35,000 pounds of produce from Salinas to Los Angeles. 🥬🍎🚛

⚠️ The southbound #2 lane will be closed until approximately noon. Closure times are approximate and may change as crews work to clear the scene.

🛠️ Road Trip Safety Reminder: Before hitting the road, take a few minutes to check your vehicle and trailer equipment. Make sure tires are properly inflated, brakes and lights are working, fluids are at proper levels, and trailers are securely connected. A quick inspection can help prevent a roadside emergency. ✅

🚗 Slow down, move over when safe, and give emergency and roadway crews plenty of room to work.

RoadTripSafety 🚔

10/03/2026

👋 Great day at Allan Hancock College! 🎓

Today, the California Highway Patrol had the opportunity to participate in the Career Exploration Day at Allan Hancock College and connect with students and members of our community about career opportunities with the CHP.

One of our amazing civilian employees represented our department and shared that the CHP is about more than just uniformed officers! 🚔 There are a variety of career paths for people who want to serve their community, including:

📞 Public Safety Dispatcher/Operator
💻 Office and administrative positions
🔧 Automotive and equipment-related positions
📊 Analyst and professional positions
🚛 Commercial Vehicle Inspection Specialist
…and many other civilian career opportunities!

Whether you’re interested in public safety, communications, administration, technology, or other professional fields, there may be a place for you within the California Highway Patrol. 💙

Thank you to Allan Hancock College for hosting such a great event and providing an opportunity for students and community members to explore their future career paths! 👏🎓

Your future could be with the CHP! 🚔💙

10/02/2026

Today at the Santa Maria CHP Office, we had the privilege of hearing from two inspiring women during our training day.

Ashley Faison Maddox, a survivor of human trafficking, courageously shared her personal story and valuable insight. We were also honored to hear from CHP Commissioner Johnson, who shared her perspective on the Department, our direction, and the important work ahead.

Thank you both for taking the time to educate, inspire, and connect with our personnel. 💙

10/01/2026

⭐ TODAY ⭐
CAR SEAT CHECK UP EVENT🚼
1111 Betteravia Rd
3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.