Citations for speeding over 100 mph jumps 87% compared to last year, CHP says

LOS ANGELES -- California freeways are used to seeing bumper-to-bumper traffic, but since the coronavirus pandemic began, drivers have been moving without much trouble.

While most drivers consider less traffic a good thing, the California Highway Patrol is seeing an increase in speeding and issuing a lot more tickets.
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For a one-month period starting March 19 when the stay-at-home order started, officers have issued 87% more citations to drivers suspected of going more than 100 mph, according to a news release from the CHP. That number is compared to the same time period last year.

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CHP issued 2,493 citations statewide for speeding more than 100 mph, compared to 1,335 last year.
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"It is alarming to see the number of citations officers are writing for excessive speeds on California roadways," said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley in the news release.

The spike coincides with a 35% decline in traffic volume on state roads compared to 2019, according to Caltrans.