Spike Strips

Spike strips are portable roadblocks used to bring fleeing vehicles to a controlled stop by puncturing their tyres. They are most useful during high-speed pursuits and against heavy or hard-to-stop vehicles that are difficult to safely contain with a PIT manoeuvre.

For the best chance of a safe deployment, move ahead of the pursuit, anticipate the suspect's route, and choose a position with a clear view of approaching traffic. Leave enough time to place the strip and move away from the roadway before the pursued vehicle arrives.

Obtaining a Spike Strip

Spike strips are stored with the roadblock equipment in the trunk of a patrol vehicle. Stop somewhere safe, open the trunk, select Roadblocks, and take out a spike strip. Your officer carries the folded strip until you place it or return it.

For the complete trunk menu, number shortcuts, traffic-control effects, and equipment recovery workflow, read the Roadblocks guide.

Deploying a Spike Strip

While carrying the strip, stand where you want the deployment to begin and press H to place it. The five connected sections extend across approximately two traffic lanes, so position the first section carefully and place the strip across the suspect vehicle's expected path.

• Coordinate with pursuing units so they know where the strip is positioned and can avoid it
• Choose a straight, visible section of road where the suspect is likely to continue through the deployment
• Place the strip before the pursuit reaches you, then move yourself and your patrol vehicle clear of its path
• Avoid deploying through uncontrolled civilian traffic, because the strip affects every AI vehicle that crosses it

Tyre Damage

When an AI-controlled vehicle drives over the spike strip, the tyres that contact it are punctured and disabled. The resulting loss of grip and control can slow the vehicle, make it difficult to steer, and eventually bring it to a stop.

A tyre may not burst immediately after crossing the strip. The puncture can take a short time to develop depending on how much of the tyre struck the spikes and the type of vehicle involved. Keep monitoring the vehicle until it has stopped, and do not approach solely because it has crossed the deployment.