Have you ever noticed a California Highway Patrol (CHP) car weaving across lanes with its lights flashing? This maneuver is known as a traffic break, and it serves a crucial safety purpose on California’s freeways.
The official X page of CHP posted on October 28, 2025, explained the purpose of these maneuvers in a social media post.
In a video accompanying the X post, Sgt. Nico Estrada said that a patrol car weaving across lanes is performing a traffic break to safely slow and stop traffic for hazards ahead.
When CHP receives reports of roadway hazards, officers conduct a traffic break by using their patrol vehicle to slow or stop traffic, often to remove debris or assist disabled vehicles.
The officer drives diagonally across lanes in a zigzag pattern, signaling drivers to slow down and stop behind them.
In an Instagram post, the CHP wrote, “California law requires drivers to stay at least 300 feet behind any emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated. This gives officers the space needed to clear the highway and keep everyone safe.”
A post shared by California Highway Patrol (@californiahighwaypatrol)
California Vehicle Code Section 21706 prohibits drivers from following emergency vehicles displaying red lights within 300 feet.
On September 18, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the expanded deployment of new CHP crime suppression teams across major California cities and regions has resulted in 409 arrests, the recovery of 156 stolen vehicles, and the seizure of 25 illegal firearms.
The California Highway Patrol’s crime suppression teams’ mission is to detect and reduce criminal activity in high-crime areas.
Their enforcement operations are aimed at deterring and disrupting organized crime.
The teams collaborate with local law enforcement on intelligence sharing and enforcement while maintaining accountability through clear leadership, reporting, and oversight.
On October 1, 2025, Edhat reported that the CHP has been warning motorists to slow down.
This follows after a white SUV traveling northbound on Highway 101, just north of State Street, was issued a speeding ticket.
Across California, the Highway Patrol handles investigations of traffic accidents, particularly on freeways and in unincorporated zones, and provides reports and statistical data to the public.
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