CHP - Santa Maria

09/05/2026

09/02/2026

🐾🚔 A Little Traffic Stop With a Big Heart! 🐾

Sometimes our officers find more than just motorists on the roadway! Today, our officers encountered a very unexpected traveler on northbound US 101, just north of Donovan Road. 🐶

With the help of several caring passing motorists, our officers were able to safely get our four-legged traveler off the freeway. He was very friendly, but understandably a little scared by all the traffic and commotion. ❤️

After a safe ride off the freeway, he was turned over to Animal Control, where he’ll hopefully be reunited with his family soon. 🏠🐾

A big thank-you to the members of the public who stopped to help and to our officers for making sure this little guy made it to safety! 👏

Remember, if you see an animal on or near the freeway, don’t put yourself or others in danger. Slow down, give the animal plenty of space, and contact law enforcement for assistance. 🚔

08/31/2026

🏍️ E-Motorcycle Safety: A Follow-Up Reminder

Following up on our post from last week regarding an e-motorcycle that was towed, we had another couple of safety-related contacts involving young riders this week.

Two young riders were observed traveling southbound on Bradley Road, south of Rice Ranch, while riding e-motorcycles in the roadway and performing wheelies. Both riders had previously been contacted and warned about operating these vehicles on public roadways, and their parents had been notified during those prior contacts.

This time, both e-motorcycles were towed due to being manufactured as off-road electric motorcycles and not being properly equipped to be operating on a roadway.

🪖 A reminder about helmets: While both riders were wearing helmets, they were wearing bicycle helmets. E-motorcycles are capable of speeds and performance well beyond a traditional bicycle, and riders of these vehicles should be using a properly approved motorcycle helmet appropriate for the vehicle they are operating.

We understand that these bikes are exciting and that young riders enjoy getting out and riding. Our goal isn’t to discourage that. Our goal is to make sure riders and parents understand what they are riding, where they can legally ride, and what safety equipment is required.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parents, please take a moment to talk with your young riders before they head out. Make sure you know what type of vehicle they are operating, whether it needs to be registered, where it can legally be ridden, and what protective equipment is appropriate.

A few minutes of education and preparation can help prevent a serious crash or injury.

Ride smart. Ride safe. Know the rules. 🏍️🪖🤝

08/29/2026

E-Bike or E-Moto? Know the Difference. ⚡🏍️

Not every electric two-wheeled vehicle is an e-bike.

California Vehicle Code Section 436.1 defines an off-highway electric motorcycle (e-moto) as a two-wheeled motorcycle designed by the manufacturer primarily for off-highway operation, powered by an electric motor, equipped with handlebars and a straddle seat, and not equipped with pedals by the manufacturer.

E-motos are intended for off-highway use and are subject to different laws and requirements than e-bikes.

Before purchasing or riding, know what you’re riding, where you can legally ride it, and the safety requirements that apply.

Know before you ride. Ride safe.

— CHP Santa Maria Area

08/28/2026

NEW PATROL VEHICLE 🛻 🚓
Have you seen the newest patrol vehicle in Santa Maria?? Our Commercial Enforcement Unit is now patrolling in a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab Z71. What do you think about the truck?

08/26/2026

⭐ Drive Safer Drive Longer ⭐
This was the message we shared with senior citizens at St. Peters Episcopal Church. Mr. Graham, a senior volunteer from the Santa Maria CHP office, shared his knowledge and driving experience of over 70 years. A big THANKS to St. Peters Episcopal Church for hosting this community event. 🚙

08/22/2026

SR—166 Reopened. Fire trucks and emergency personnel still on scene. Please drive slowly through the area. Preliminary information indicates Carrizo Fire was started by a vehicle fire.

08/22/2026

SR-166 closed between Perkins and MPM 49 for low flying aircraft, emergency vehicles, and emergency personnel. No through traffic.

08/22/2026

🏍️ Coastal Division Motor Competition 🏍️

What a great week in Santa Maria! The Coastal Division Motor Competition brought together CHP motorcycle officers and riders from allied agencies for a challenging course designed to put their motorcycle skills, precision, control, and determination to the test. 💪🏍️

These competitions are about much more than speed—they’re about skill, safety, discipline, and teamwork. Every rider pushed themselves, supported their fellow competitors, and demonstrated the professionalism that comes with being a motor officer. 👏🔥

A special shout-out to all of the riders who came out to compete representing their agencies with pride. 🤝🏆

Congratulations to everyone who participated and helped make this year’s competition a success! 🏍️💨👏

08/17/2026

We had a great time today at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge for their annual Family Day!!