Traffic laws are being tightened in California. Among the actions that can result in the temporary or permanent loss of a vehicle or driver’s license is participating in unauthorized street races. California is increasing penalties for drivers involved in street racing and dangerous maneuvers, with potentially very serious consequences, commensurate with the risk posed by the actions themselves and others.
This includes performing spectacular maneuvers such as sharp turns or blocking roads for exhibitions
Many citizens who participate in these types of activities are unaware that a single serious infraction can lead to legal proceedings, immigration problems, drastic increases in car insurance, and the loss of their means of transportation for work. This includes performing spectacular maneuvers such as sharp turns or blocking roads for exhibitions, driving with complete disregard for the safety of others or property, coordinating or facilitating clandestine street races, and evading police orders to stop. This is how the regulations describe it.
This isn’t the first time regulations of this kind have emerged. Last year, Florida also implemented similar restrictions. The initiative at that time, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, focused on “coordinated street takeovers,” which means ten or more vehicles operating in an organized manner to carry out a street takeover. Violators could also face the revocation of their driver’s license for two years, and law enforcement agencies can impound the vehicles involved in these events and seek to obtain the vehicle title through a repossession proceeding. There are no minor repercussions for this type of action.
Now, your driver’s license can be suspended according to current traffic codes
The fact is that in California, unlike the previous system where fines were the norm, a judge can now authorize law enforcement to impound your car when there is sufficient evidence that it was used in any of these illegal activities. Now, your driver’s license can be suspended according to current traffic codes, leaving the offender without legal mobility for the period determined by the authorities. Meanwhile, in Florida, according to the bill, the maximum fines for first offenses will increase from $1,000 to $2,000. Those who commit a second offense within a year could face third-degree felony charges.
In California, drivers must understand that street racing is illegal because it is dangerous. The repercussions go far beyond the temporary loss of their vehicle. The penalty system has several layers designed to make the infraction financially costly and serve as a deterrent. Restrictions are increased for repeat offenders. The vehicle can be impounded by the government for up to a month, and this period can be extended at the court’s discretion.
It can result in a criminal record, which could negatively impact employment, immigration, or credit opportunities
Incidentally, the law makes it clear that towing, storage, and impoundment costs are the responsibility of the owner, in addition to any applicable fines. Furthermore, in serious cases, it can result in a criminal record, which could negatively impact employment, immigration, or credit opportunities, as explained above. In Florida, authorities explained that “Before, it was a misdemeanor, so we would probably charge them with reckless driving or something similar, and they wouldn’t lose their vehicles. Now, with these harsher penalties, it becomes a felony, and they have to pay a fine of up to $4,000 and lose their driver’s license for two to four years,” explained Michael Vega, a spokesperson for the Miami Police Department.
In short, this is not a minor regulation, as it is directly aimed at curbing the criminal acts of this group of people. This legal change was implemented through AB 3085, also known as the Gipson Law, signed by the Governor of California and specifically designed to combat the phenomenon of ‘street takeovers’. Therefore, experts remind drivers that to avoid future problems, the best course of action is to drive prudently.