The legislation was occasioned by a dramatic increase in truck-at-fault (TAF) accidents from 1982 through 1986. The objective of the SMPV pilot program was to increase truck drivers' compliance with highway traffic laws. The pilot program was instituted on five test sites. Reduction in TAF accident rates was achieved on SMPV test sites. The reduction was significant when compared to the rate of decline on nontest sites. Officers using SMPV's generated more truck citations per officer patrol hour and focused a much higher percentage of total enforcement activity toward truck drivers than did officers operating black-and-white patrol cars. Public and judicial acceptance of the pilot program was perceived as positive by the California Highway Patrol. The report recommends that the California Highway Patrol retain the option to use SMPV's on any highway segment within the State that meets specified criteria relating to truck accidents or noncompliance with highway safety laws. 10 tables, 20 figures.