On March 27, 2025, officers from the California Highway Patrol’s Santa Ana, Westminster, and Capistrano Area offices, conducted a Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) operation along the I-5 corridor, enhancing roadway safety.
The goal when deploying an SEU, is to reduce traffic crashes by focusing on primary collision factor (PCF) violations such as: speeding, reckless driving, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and DUI. Citations for distracted driving and seatbelts were also issued.
Combined, officers issued over 500 citations, impounded or stored 9 vehicles, and made 6 arrests.
Here are the penalties for the various traffic violations noted above, in California:
Speeding
- Base Fines:
- 1-15 MPH over the limit: $35
- 16-25 MPH over the limit: $70
- 26+ MPH over the limit: $100
- Additional Costs: Total fines can exceed $400 due to additional fees and assessments.
Reckless Driving
- Penalties:
- Misdemeanor charge
- 5 to 90 days in county jail
- Fine between $145 and $1,000
- 2 points on your driving record.
Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
- Penalties:
- Fine of $238
- 1 point on your driving record.
Unsafe Lane Changes
- Penalties:
- Fine of $238
- 1 point on your driving record.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- First Offense:
- Fine between $390 and $1,000
- 2 days to 6 months in jail
- 6-month license suspension.
Distracted Driving
- Penalties:
- First offense: $20 fine
- Subsequent offenses: $50 fine
- Additional fees can increase the total cost.
Seatbelt Violations
- Penalties:
- First offense: $20 base fine (total cost around $162)
- Subsequent offenses: $50 base fine (total cost up to $490)
- No points on your driving record
Predatory and citation hungry law enforcement on an already financially oppressed community is nothing to be proud of. In fact they should be enforcing the protect and serve only and not behaving in such a manner as thats shameful.