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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
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