California Gov. Newsom signs several anti-sideshow and street takeover bills into law

(FOX40.COM) — Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation Monday that imposes stricter penalties on people who participate in sideshows, also known as street takeovers.
• Video Above: California law enforcement seeks to crack down on sideshows

Sideshows usually consist of people meeting up at vacant lots or roadways to perform car stunts and play music with onlookers present. The stunts can include donuts, drifting, wheelies, bouncing cars up and down, skiing (driving a car while balanced only on two wheels), and ghost riding (when a person exits a vehicle in neutral gear and dances beside or around it).

In recent years, sideshows escalated from entertainment to property damage, violent altercations, and death . Law enforcement named sideshows as a growing problem within the state and has worked to crack down on the activity.

“Sideshows are reckless, criminal activities that endanger our communities,” Newsom said in a statement on Monday . “We have seen too many people killed or hurt at these events. Today, we are sending a clear message to anyone considering participating in or attending a sideshow — stricter penalties are in place, including the potential loss of your vehicle.”

These new laws expand vehicle impoundment authority for law enforcement, including for spectators and those aiding in illegal speed contests and sideshows. They also standardize terminology for “sideshows” and “street takeovers” statewide.

New sideshow bills signed

• AB 1978 by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) – Vehicles: speed contests

• AB 2186 by Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Palm Springs) – Vehicles: impoundment

• AB 2807 by Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) – Vehicles: sideshows and street takeovers

• AB 3085 by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) – Vehicles: removal and impoundment

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