How to beat the Car Week traffic blues and stay on the right side of the law.

Car Week 2024 is upon us—the Monterey County Car Week Kick-Off is 5-7pm, Friday, Aug. 9 and events keep coming through Aug. 18—and as locals know, traffic picks up and it can take a little longer to get from point A to point B. There are some savvy ways to avoid the worst of it, however.

One of the best ways to plan trips around the Monterey Peninsula is by using the County of Monterey's interactive map, found at MCCarWeek.com. There's a list of events for each day, complete with detailed descriptions. It's a handy way to plan out routes and avoid certain areas depending on the time and day.

Another helpful map feature is that it shows traffic flow in real-time, as well as road closures. Small black arrows on the map link to traffic cameras directed on local highways. 

At the top right of the map is a link to road traffic information provided by County of Monterey Public Works.

If you want to attend one of the many events, the listings give you all the details by clicking on the day, then a thumbnail of each event, displayed down the left side of the map.

You can also text CARWEEK to 65513 to receive traffic updates from the county.

See Monterey, the convention and visitor's bureau, has its own interactive map, listing all the major events plus a few more smaller related activities taking place over the 10 days. 

The See Monterey map page also has a link to information about shuttle services for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Sunday, Aug. 18, as well as a link to the free Monterey Trolley Shuttle, that will be operating between downtown Monterey and Cannery Row.

More info about events throughout the 10 days is available on the bureau's Car Week page.

"For the locals here, I recommend patience," said California Highway Patrol Officer Saul Perez, during a County of Monterey media briefing on Wednesday, Aug. 7. "Enjoy the week, do it safely, do it with appropriate speeds, put on your seatbelt and take all measures to avoid drinking and driving."

Perez said with the higher volume of vehicles during the week, officers notice that drivers' patience can wear thin.

"Be the voice of reason in our community" and model good driving, he said, encouraging people to avoid getting into "road rage incidents."

There will be more CHP officers out in force during Car Week, as well as more local law enforcement officers, to deal with the increased traffic.

"The Monterey Police Department welcomes all to enjoy the related events—RESPONSIBLY," a press release sent out Thursday, Aug. 8 states.

"While our community hosts various events, we are a small historical town and ask that those coming respect this beautiful location and our residents," it reads.

Recent years have brought an increase in speed violations, equipment violations and truck route violations during Car Week, which is why police departments will be focusing on speeding, "exhibition of speed," reckless driving and speed contests.

Anyone caught exhibiting high rates of speed, speed contests or reckless driving will be arrested and have their car impounded for 30 days, according to police.

Police will also focus on equipment violations, like modified exhausts and unlawful lighting, as well as illegal smog modifications. They'll also be on the lookout for transportation trucks that don't follow truck routes.

Last year law enforcement officers made 256 traffic stops during Car Week. They issued 176 traffic citations, towed eight vehicles and made 10 arrests.