California Cracks Down on Sideshows with New Legislation

Overview

• San Francisco Mayor London Breed's proposed legislation to criminalize planning or participating in sideshows was unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors.
• The new San Francisco law would impose misdemeanor penalties and allow the city to hold or permanently seize vehicles involved in sideshows if the District Attorney convicts.
• Gov. Gavin Newsom signed four bills aimed at curbing sideshows, standardizing terminology, and expanding law enforcement's authority to impound vehicles involved in illegal street activities.
• Sideshows, which involve vehicles performing stunts and often block traffic, have increased in frequency and spread beyond the Bay Area to places like Los Angeles and Oregon.
• Recent sideshows have led to significant disruptions, including a 100-vehicle event on the Bay Bridge and two fatal shootings in Sacramento linked to these activities.