Newsom Signs California Legislation to Curb Illegal Racing, Street Takeovers

The new laws provide law enforcement the authority to seize the vehicles of both participants and spectators, among other stricter penalties.

Posters of street racing offenders and victims are displayed next to race cars in Santa Ana, Calif., on April 29, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a slate of bipartisan bills on Sept. 23 in an effort to curb street racing, sideshows, and street takeovers in the state that have resulted in fires, mob robberies, injuries, and deaths.

Sideshows and street takeovers generally involve a group of drivers gathering in vacant lots or blocking public roadways to perform stunts or race for onlookers.