SACRAMENTO, Calif. — In a decisive move to combat the rise of dangerous vehicle sideshows, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed four new bills on Monday that empower law enforcement to take stronger action against these reckless gatherings. The legislation expands police authority to impound vehicles involved in sideshows, including those of participants and even spectators. It also standardizes definitions for “sideshows” and “street takeovers” within California law.
Sideshows, which often feature multiple drivers engaging in reckless stunts while crowds gather to watch, can take place in various locations, from parking lots to highways. These events have become increasingly dangerous, leading to significant risks not only for participants but for innocent bystanders as well. Just last weekend, two people were shot dead and another injured during a sideshow in north Sacramento, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
Governor Newsom described sideshows as “reckless, criminal activities that endanger our communities.” He emphasized the new laws are designed to deter participation, stating, “Today, we are sending a clear message: stricter penalties are in place, including the potential loss of your vehicle.”
The new bills include:
- AB 1978 by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) – Focuses on speed contests.
- AB 2186 by Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Palm Springs) – Enhances vehicle impoundment processes.
- AB 2807 by Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) – Establishes clearer penalties for sideshows and street takeovers.
- AB 3085 by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) – Expands the authority for vehicle removal and impoundment.
The urgency of these bills was underscored by the recent surge in sideshow-related violence. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has reported 30 deadly crashes and 124 injuries linked to sideshows and street racing over the past five years. Violent altercations have also spilled over beyond the events themselves.
In a recent high-profile operation, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office detained more than 150 individuals and seized 88 cars at a single sideshow. Authorities discovered illegal firearms and drugs in many of the seized vehicles, prompting Sheriff Withrow to implement a zero-tolerance policy: each seized vehicle will remain impounded until the owner resolves their case with the District Attorney.
Assemblymember Villapudua, who has worked alongside the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office on AB 2807, expressed concern over the increasing frequency of sideshows. “The surge in dangerous sideshows is putting many young lives at risk,” he said. “I am excited to collaborate with law enforcement to find solutions that will hold these reckless drivers accountable and enhance community safety.”
As California continues to grapple with the complex challenges posed by sideshow activities, the state aims to restore safety to its streets and prevent further tragedies linked to these illegal gatherings by signing these bills into law.
