Ticket Trouble in Fresno and Clovis: Why Storing Your Vehicle Might Be the Smarter Move
Fresno and Clovis residents know all too well that a quick trip to the store can sometimes turn into an unexpected encounter with law enforcement. According to the 2025 Racial and Identity Profiling Advisory Board (RIPA) report, traffic stops in California remain staggeringly high, and local communities like Fresno and Clovis are no exception. These cities contribute significantly to the more than 4.7 million stops recorded statewide in 2023, and vehicle-related infractions are among the most common reasons for these stops.
Common Reasons for Traffic Stops in the Area
Data from both the RIPA report and The Fresno Bee highlights that vehicle code violations—such as broken taillights, expired tags, or obstructed plates—are the top triggers for traffic stops. In fact, officers cite vehicle code violations more frequently than any other category, with citations issued in 44.9% of all stops statewide. In cities like Fresno and Clovis, where law enforcement actively uses stops to monitor compliance, it’s easy for an overlooked detail to lead to an expensive ticket—or worse.
For residents driving older vehicles, those with minor damage, or even temporarily uninsured cars, every trip carries risk. The RIPA report further reveals that Black and Hispanic/Latine(x) individuals are disproportionately stopped—126.5% and 43.8% more frequently, respectively—relative to their share of the population. This disparity suggests that proactive traffic enforcement can impact certain groups more than others, regardless of actual driving behavior.
Traffic Stops by the Numbers
In Fresno and Clovis, the local reality reflects broader statewide trends. Officers issue more warnings and citations than they make arrests, but that doesn't mean the encounters are trivial. Citations not only cost money but can add points to your license or lead to escalated penalties if unpaid.
According to the RIPA report, a typical stop resulting in a citation lasts several minutes, with certain groups—particularly Native American and Pacific Islander drivers—experiencing average stop times of over 20 minutes when no action is ultimately taken. These unnecessary delays can be frustrating and demoralizing, especially when the vehicle isn’t even being driven regularly.
Storage as a Safe, Smart Alternative
For many residents, the answer may be surprisingly simple: store the vehicle.
If your car is currently uninsured, needs repairs, or isn’t registered, parking it on the street could put you at risk of a stop and subsequent citation. Instead of chancing a fine—or even a tow—consider vehicle storage with Derrel’s Mini Storage. Our secure, monitored storage spaces offer a cost-effective solution for keeping your car off the road and out of harm’s way until you're ready to drive again.
Even for residents who travel frequently or don’t need their vehicle daily, storage offers peace of mind. With 23 facilities across the Central Valley, Derrel’s Mini Storage provides easy access to your vehicle when you need it—without the daily risk of incurring a costly ticket.
Protect Your Vehicle, Avoid the Penalty
Whether you're a student taking a break from driving, a working parent with a second vehicle, or someone dealing with registration or insurance delays, storing your car can prevent legal headaches. At a time when proactive policing and stop frequency are both on the rise, using storage to avoid unnecessary traffic enforcement could save you money—and stress.
Make the smart move before the next checkpoint. Store your vehicle at Derrel’s Mini Storage and stay off the radar until you’re ready to hit the road again.
