The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) have announced a new joint pilot program that takes swift action against drivers who are caught traveling more than 100 mph in the hopes of reducing potentially deadly crashes.
Under the program, called Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets (FAST), drivers cited for speeds more than 100 mph are automatically referred to the DMV Driver Safety Branch for review and to determine whether immediate action—such as suspending or revoking the driver’s license—is warranted. The DMV decision is independent of any judicial actions associated with the citation and does not depend on a conviction.
The pilot builds on the DMV’s successful Driver Safety work and Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS). Now, each citation for speeding more than 100 mph automatically initiates a review by the DMV Driver Safety Branch, even if a driver has no prior negligent operator points on their record.
Speeding-related crashes account for approximately one-third of all traffic-related deaths on California roads in the last 10 years. FAST is part of a statewide push to reverse the alarming rise in traffic fatalities and supports California’s recent Policy on Road Safety — a coordinated strategy to save lives and make the state’s roads safer for everyone.
Each month, CHP officers issue citations to approximately 1,600 individuals for driving 100 mph or faster. In 2024, CHP issued more than 18,000 of these citations. In May, the CHP deployed 100 low-profile, specially marked patrol vehicles (SMPVs) to target what officers describe as “video game-styled” driving on California’s highways. These SMPVs blend into traffic long enough to spot the most dangerous behavior. In their first six months on the road, CHP officers operating these vehicles issued nearly 33,000 speed-related citations statewide. Of those citations issued, more than 1,100 were for speeds greater than 100 mph.
While some drivers may have their driving privileges revoked or suspended through the legal system, that process can be slow and lengthy. This pilot program is designed to act more quickly, reflecting the research that shows the most effective deterrent is swift and certain consequences.
The DMV said it will monitor the pilot closely to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing and reducing crashes.
