California Cracks Down on Sideshows with New Legislation

Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bills enhancing penalties for street takeovers as San Francisco moves closer to criminalizing sideshow activities.

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.