Governor Gavin Newsom signs bills enhancing penalties for sideshows

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several bills on Monday aimed at cracking down on street takeovers by empowering California authorities to seize vehicles of drivers engaged in illegal activities.

“Sideshows are reckless, criminal activities that endanger our communities. We have seen too many people killed or hurt at these events,” Newsom said announcing the new laws.

The bill signings follow back-to-back shootings Sunday in South Natomas and North Sacramento that resulted in two deaths Sacramento police said were related to sideshows.

The four bills are aimed at improving road safety expand police officers’ ability to impound vehicles of drivers who are participating in street races and sideshows, which are demonstrations of car stunts that often occur in parking lots or intersections.

Assembly Bill 3085 by Assemblyman Mike Gipson, D-Carson, would enable law enforcement, with a warrant from a magistrate, to impound a vehicle for up to 30 days if a driver is found to be racing on a highway or in a parking facility. Assembly Bill 2186 by Assemblyman Greg Wallis, R-Palm Springs, allows law enforcement to seize vehicles involved in speeding contests without a warrant.

During COVID-19-related lockdowns, several California cities saw an increase in the number of sideshows and street races, according to legislative analysis of the bill. Newsom said the legislation passed this session will help reduce the number of accidents, spectator injuries and traffic disruptions associated with these events.

Another bill signed by the governor, Assembly Bill 1978 by Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez, R-Rancho Santa Margarita, would allow officers to impound vehicles of people who are helping to organize street races by blocking off highways or parking facilities, without arresting them.

The enhanced penalties come after Newsom signed several other bills last month meant to increase punishment for retail theft in California.