Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2100. Section 2100.
There is in the Transportation Agency the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
ARTICLE 1. Administration [2100. - 2114.]
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH 1.
in effectCal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2101. Section 2101.
As used in this chapter, “department” means the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2102. Section 2102.
Wherever in any statute “California Highway Patrol” is used, it means the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2103. Section 2103.
The department is the successor to and is vested with the duties, powers, purposes, responsibilities, and jurisdiction of the former Division of Enforcement of the Department of Motor Vehicles, known as the California Highway Patrol, and of the officers and employees thereof.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2104. Section 2104.
The department has possession and control of all records, books, papers, offices, or equipment, and all other property, real or personal, now or hereafter held for the benefit or use of the former Division of Enforcement of the Department of Motor Vehicles, known as the California Highway Patrol.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2105. Section 2105.
Except as in this chapter otherwise provided, the provisions of Chapter 2 (commencing at Section 11150) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code shall govern and apply to the conduct of the department in every respect the same as if the provisions were set forth in this code, and wherever in that chapter the term “head of the department” or similar designation occurs, for the purposes of this division, it shall mean the commissioner.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2106. Section 2106.
The department shall maintain its main office within 20 miles of Sacramento.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2107. Section 2107.
The department is under the control of a civil executive officer, known as the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol. The commissioner shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate to serve at the pleasure of the Governor, and shall have resided within the state continuously for at least five years immediately preceding appointment.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2108. Section 2108.
The commissioner shall perform all duties, exercise all powers and jurisdiction, assume and discharge all responsibilities, and carry out and effect all purposes vested by law in the department.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commissioner may administratively determine the geographic area of residence of any member of the department in order to assure the availability of such member for emergency service and the discharge of departmental responsibilities.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2109. Section 2109.
The commissioner shall organize the department with the approval of the Governor and the Secretary of Transportation and may arrange and classify the work of the department and may, with the approval of the Governor and the Secretary of Transportation, create or abolish divisions thereof.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2110. Section 2110.
The Assistant Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol shall be appointed by the commissioner, subject to the approval of the Governor, pursuant to the provisions of Article XXIV of the State Constitution.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2111. Section 2111.
The assistant commissioner shall carry out and execute such duties, with respect to traffic law enforcement, as may be specified by the commissioner.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2112. Section 2112.
The chief administrative officer of the department shall be appointed by the commissioner subject to the approval of the Governor, pursuant to the provisions of Article XXIV of the State Constitution.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2113. Section 2113.
The chief administrative officer shall carry out and execute such duties with respect to the administrative affairs of the department as may be specified by the commissioner.
Cal. Vehicle Code - VEH § 2114. Section 2114.
The department may pay membership fees, join, and participate in the affairs of associations having for their purpose the interchange of information relating to law enforcement, accident prevention, and subjects related to the powers and duties of the department.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026