The California Highway Patrol has announced that its last Chevrolet Camaro has entered service, marking the latest addition to a law enforcement fleet that has included a range of distinctive vehicles. The CHP shared the news on social media nearly three years after production of the sixth-generation muscle car ended.
CHP’s Final Camaro Comes With Strict Rules
The CHP did not disclose many details about the new patrol vehicle, but it reiterated that different vehicles may be deployed while every unit “shares the same core mission” of protecting “the people of California” and keeping the state’s roadways safe.
The Camaro is a particularly notable choice because the CHP has specific policy documents governing its operation, including rules for the Camaro SS 1LE equipped with the track-focused 1LE package.
The patrol vehicle comes with several restrictions. Officers are discouraged from driving it during prolonged periods of rain or adverse weather, while revving the engine for fun and using launch control are prohibited.
Despite its track-focused configuration, the Camaro can only be operated in Tour Mode. Sport and Track modes are not permitted.
Officers Need Special Training to Drive It
CHP policy also requires activity involving the Camaro to be recorded under special project code (SPC) 775 on daily field records and associated enforcement documents.
The vehicle’s coupe body style also limits how it can be used to transport prisoners. According to the policy document, prisoners should not be transported in the Camaro except under “exigent circumstances.”
Power comes from a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine producing 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque.
Officers who want to operate the Camaro patrol vehicle must first complete special training through the CHP Academy. Failure to follow the rules can result in the loss of operator privileges.
Could the Camaro Return?
The CHP describes the vehicle as the “last of its kind to join the fleet,” but the Camaro nameplate could eventually return.
Reports suggest a next-generation Camaro could use an updated version of GM’s rear-wheel-drive Alpha 2 architecture, which currently underpins the Cadillac CT5.
If that model eventually reaches production and later joins a police fleet, it could provide a more practical patrol vehicle because the Camaro is reportedly set to adopt a four-door body style. The comeback could happen for the 2029 model year.
