Two truck drivers cited for using restricted Hopland Pass, CHP says

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently ticketed a pair of truck drivers caught using a steep and narrow restricted roadway.

On July 27, 2026, multiple 911 callers reported two over-length semi trucks traveling from Mendocino County into Lake County on State Route 175, also known as Hopland Pass.

Vehicles over 39 feet in length are not permitted on the twelve-mile stretch of SR 175 between Hopland (junction with U.S. 101 in Mendocino County) and Lakeport (junction with State Route 29 in Lake County) due to safety concerns.

Officers with CHP’s Clear Lake Division responded to the scene and intercepted the two semi trucks “before they caused a serious accident.”

CHP provided an escort off Hopland Pass and issued citations to both drivers.

Troopers used the incident to remind the trucking community about the length restrictions on Hopland Pass.

Hopland Pass is a steep and winding mountain roadway with “numerous tight hairpin turns and sharp curves,” CHP said.

CHP said that over-length vehicles that violate the restrictions “can struggle to navigate these challenging sections, potentially leading to loss of control, overhang into oncoming traffic, getting stuck or tipping over, or roadway blockages or accidents.”

Trucks have been restricted from Hopland Pass since 1998 following years of study from Caltrans. CHP requested the truck travel ban in 1993