California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed four new bills into law to address street takeovers, sideshows, and illegal street races.
These activities have become a safety concern across the state, with incidents of reckless driving and property damage. These bills are designed to give law enforcement stronger ways to act on these illegal activities and implement stricter penalties on violators, including the potential for vehicle impoundment.
The new laws focus on both the drivers and bystanders who participate in these events. One key point of Assembly Bill 1978, by Assembly member Kate Sanchez, allows law enforcement officers to seize a vehicle used to obstruct a roadway to facilitate a street takeover or race without the need to arrest the driver. This law aims to directly address the issue of blocked roads.
Additionally, Assembly Bill 2186, introduced by Assembly member Greg Wallis, expands existing laws to cover off-street parking facilities. Under this bill, if law enforcement determines a vehicle was used in a race or speed exhibition in a parking facility, the vehicle can be impounded for up to 30 days.
Assembly Bill 2807, introduced by Assembly member Carlos Villapudua, clarifies the language around “sideshows.” These events, often involving dangerous stunts and speeds, will now be officially recognized as “street takeovers.” This ensures that law enforcement can more effectively target this problem, which has been linked to increasing violent and chaotic incidents persistent in urban areas like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Assembly Bill 3085, by Assembly member Mike Gipson, gives law enforcement the authority to impound vehicles suspected of being involved in street takeovers or races on highways or parking lots, but only with a warrant or a judge’s order.
Lawmakers believe these new bills will significantly enhance law enforcement’s ability to limit illegal street racing and takeovers, which have escalated in recent years.
“Sideshows are reckless, criminal activities that endanger our communities,” Newsom said in a news release. “We have seen too many people killed or hurt at these events.”
With the potential for significant penalties, including vehicle impoundment, the state hopes to deter participants from engaging in these hazardous activities.