Introduction to Street Takeovers
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion 3-0 Tuesday to double the fines for street takeovers and sideshows.
Sideshows are when groups of cars take over a large intersection to street race and perform burnouts.
Background on Street Takeovers
“Though street takeovers have occurred in Los Angeles since the 1980s, they have increased dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic and have become increasingly more dangerous; oftentimes resulting in deaths, robberies, high-speed chases, and more,” according to the motion.
Proposed Penalties
Current civil penalties for drivers sit at $500. If approved, the new motion would double that to $1,000. The proposal also aims to enable “removing posts and demonetizing profiles that promote illegal sideshows on major social media platforms.”
Social Media’s Role
“Live streaming these illegal events often causes an influx of participants and can facilitate a localized environment becoming more prone to rapid growth in the illegality, often overwhelming law enforcement efforts to mitigate and disperse the events,” the motion reads.
Voting Process
Tuesday’s vote means the Board supports the motion. Another vote will need to be held to fully approve the proposal’s language.
Statistics on Street Racing
Street racing has long been an issue in Los Angeles. In 2024 the city reported 176 street races between January and March, up nearly 50% from the same period in 2023. Takeovers rose 2% to 190 incidents in the same period.
The number of reports of illegal street races and intersection takeovers increased in Los Angeles in the first months of 2024. The I-Team’s Eric Leonard reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024.
Conclusion
The motion to double fines for street takeovers and sideshows is a step towards reducing the occurrence of these dangerous events. By increasing penalties and addressing the role of social media, the city hopes to mitigate the risks associated with street takeovers.
FAQs
- Q: What are street takeovers?
A: Street takeovers, or sideshows, are when groups of cars take over a large intersection to street race and perform burnouts. - Q: What are the current penalties for drivers involved in street takeovers?
A: Current civil penalties for drivers sit at $500. - Q: What is the proposed penalty under the new motion?
A: The proposed penalty under the new motion is $1,000. - Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected street takeovers in Los Angeles?
A: Street takeovers have increased dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic and have become increasingly more dangerous. - Q: What is the role of social media in promoting street takeovers?
A: Live streaming these illegal events often causes an influx of participants and can facilitate a localized environment becoming more prone to rapid growth in the illegality.
