CHP’s New Dodge Durangos Busy On the Highways of the Antelope Valley

ANTELOPE VALLEY, CA—If you’ve noticed a sleek SUV cruising down the 14 lately, you’re not imagining things. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has officially deployed its new fleet of Dodge Durango Pursuit vehicles across the state—and yes, that includes right here in the Antelope Valley.

One of the new Dodge Durango CHP Vehicles. This example is in silver, but there are a total of 6 different colors being put on the road.

What’s New on Our Roads?

These aren’t your typical black-and-white cruisers. The new Durangos come in stealthy shades like Destroyer Gray and Diamond Black, with ghosted CHP logos and hidden emergency lights. They’re designed to blend in with everyday traffic, making it easier for officers to spot reckless driving without being immediately recognized.

Locals in Lancaster, Palmdale, and surrounding areas should expect to see these vehicles patrolling high-risk corridors like:

• Highway 14, especially near Avenue K and Rancho Vista Blvd

• Sierra Highway, a known hotspot for speeders and street racers

• Backroads near Quartz Hill and Lake LA, where rural speeding and illegal off-roading have been on the rise

Why the Upgrade?

CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee says the stealth Durangos are part of a broader strategy to crack down on dangerous driving statewide. With nearly 1,000 reports of reckless behavior flooding CHP dispatch daily, officers need tools that let them observe without tipping off offenders.

CHP Dodge Durango in black.

In the Antelope Valley, where wide-open roads and long commutes can tempt drivers to push the limits, the Durangos are already making an impact. To illustrate this point, Fresno County (with similar driving conditions) has issued 1,000 citations in just a 3-week period using the new vehicles. Similar results are expected here, especially with recent increases in street racing and DUI incidents.

Built for the Job

These Durangos aren’t just for show. They’re equipped with:

• V6 or V8 engines (up to 360 hp)

• All-wheel drive for desert terrain and unpredictable weather

• Law enforcement-tuned suspension for high-speed pursuits

• Rear load-leveling to handle gear and passengers

They also feature upgraded tech, including enhanced dash cams, radar systems, and secure communication tools—ideal for coordinating with AV’s growing network of local law enforcement and emergency services.

Community Reactions

Locals are split. Some appreciate the added safety and proactive enforcement, especially near schools and busy intersections. Others worry the ghost graphics and hidden lights feel deceptive.

“I get it,” said a Lancaster resident at a recent town hall. “We want safer roads. But I also want to know when I’m being pulled over by a real officer—not a mystery SUV.”

CHP officials assure residents that all vehicles meet legal standards and are clearly marked upon closer inspection. Officers also undergo additional training to ensure safe and respectful interactions with the public.

What It Means for AV Drivers

For Antelope Valley residents, the message from the CHP is clear: drive responsibly. Whether you’re heading to work in Palmdale, cruising through Rosamond, or taking the scenic route past Saddleback Butte, those Durangos could be watching.

And for community members concerned about transparency or enforcement practices, CHP encourages feedback through local outreach programs and public safety forums.

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