Social Media Terms of Use

California Highway Patrol Social Media Terms of Use

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) uses social media to provide public-safety information, promote traffic safety, highlight CHP programs and activities, and communicate with the communities we serve.

CHP welcomes comments and constructive participation. Comments submitted by members of the public do not necessarily reflect the views of CHP or the State of California.

To maintain a lawful and productive forum, CHP may hide or remove content that:

  • Constitutes a true threat, incites imminent unlawful activity, or promotes violence
  • Is obscene or sexually explicit
  • Contains another person’s confidential or personally identifying information
  • Infringes copyright, trademark, or other legally protected rights
  • Impersonates another person or organization
  • Constitutes spam, unauthorized commercial advertising, or repetitive postings
  • Is unrelated to the subject of the specific post
  • Violates applicable law or the social-media platform’s rules

CHP will not remove content solely because it criticizes or expresses disagreement with CHP, its employees, its policies, or other government officials. Moderation decisions will be applied without regard to the commenter’s viewpoint. Repeated or serious violations may result in restrictions permitted by the applicable platform and law.

CHP social media accounts are not monitored continuously and should not be used to report emergencies or request immediate law-enforcement assistance. Call 911 during an emergency. For nonemergency matters, contact the appropriate CHP office.

Do not post confidential, sensitive, or personally identifying information. Information submitted to CHP through social media may constitute a public record and may be retained or disclosed as required by law.

References to or interactions with outside organizations, businesses, accounts, or websites do not constitute CHP or State of California endorsement.

CHP may revise these terms as necessary. Questions regarding these Terms of Use may be directed to the CHP, Community Outreach and Marketing Section.