Serine
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) is ramping up efforts to combat dangerous driving with an expanded fleet of “ghost graphic” patrol vehicles.
These specially marked cars feature low-visibility reflective decals, allowing officers to monitor roadways without drawing attention.
What Are ‘Ghost Graphic’ Vehicles?
Unlike traditional patrol cars, ghost graphic vehicles are designed with subtle, barely visible markings that blend into the vehicle’s color.
These cars provide troopers with a stealth advantage to identify and catch speeding, distracted, or reckless drivers who may not notice an officer nearby.
“These low-profile vehicles are an essential traffic enforcement tool,” said Sgt. Shane Hux, spokesperson for MSHP Troop H. “They allow us to observe and address violations more effectively.”
Strategic Deployment Across Missouri
Leading up to Memorial Day, 10 of these vehicles were already deployed statewide. Now, MSHP has added 10 more ghost graphic patrol cars ahead of the busy Fourth of July weekend.
Each of Missouri’s nine patrol troops has received one, while the remaining cars are being assigned to high-incident areas with frequent traffic complaints and crash reports.
“In Troop H, one of these vehicles has been designated for Andrew and Buchanan counties, where we’ve seen rising traffic volumes and increased collisions,” Hux said.
Improved Detection of Traffic Violations
The subtle appearance of ghost vehicles helps troopers catch drivers who might otherwise spot and avoid marked cruisers.
For instance, Hux noted that the public quickly learned to identify standard patrol Dodge Chargers by their distinct tail lights, prompting MSHP to diversify its fleet for more effective enforcement.
“These vehicles allow officers to detect violations like texting while driving more easily, as drivers are unaware they’re being watched,” he explained.
Public Safety Is the Top Priority
Despite mixed reactions from the public, MSHP emphasizes the importance of saving lives. According to Hux, over 1,000 fatalities occur on Missouri roads annually due to motor vehicle crashes.
“If these new vehicles help reduce that number, even slightly, it’s worth it,” he said.
Another ghost vehicle is expected to be active in Troop H territory by July 4th, enhancing MSHP’s presence during one of the most traveled weekends of the year.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is taking proactive steps to reduce accidents and save lives by expanding its fleet of ghost graphic vehicles.
These low-profile patrol cars are proving effective at catching dangerous drivers and reinforcing traffic laws. As holiday traffic increases, these measures are critical to ensuring public roadway safety across the state.