A suspect involved in street racing and a street takover found out the hard way that such activities are dangerous for your health, according to the Huntington Beach Police Department.
When the suspect wakes up in the hospital he’s going to find out that his “friends” were more concerned about running from the cops than they were about their buddy.
40-50 cars sped off as the police arrived leaving the suspect in a in a fully engulfed vehicle. The suspect was lucky to survive.
The HBPD advises that you SLOW DOWN. Speed limit signs aren’t suggestions!
Penalties for Street Racing and Street Takeovers in Orange County, CA
In 2026, street racing and street takeovers (often called “sideshows”) are illegal across all of Orange County, enforced through both strict California state laws and specific municipal ordinances.
Are Spectators Targeted?
Yes. In many Orange County cities, including Santa Ana and Anaheim, it is illegal to gather and watch these events.
- Statewide Enforcement: New California laws that went into effect on July 1, 2025, specifically target spectators to discourage the social media promotion and “encouragement” of these events.
- Social Media: Law enforcement can now target and potentially seize vehicles of those who use social media to organize, promote, or live-stream illegal street activities.
Street Racing and Street Takeover Penalties in Huntington Beach
In 2026, street racing and takeovers are strictly illegal in Huntington Beach, governed by both local municipal codes and the comprehensive California state laws that went into effect on July 1, 2025.
Local and State Enforcement
Huntington Beach enforces strict penalties for both participants and spectators through a combination of regulations:
- Spectator Laws: It is illegal to knowingly be a spectator within 200 feet of a street race or takeover site, or even at a location where preparations for such events are being made.
- Zero Tolerance: Like other Orange County cities, Huntington Beach participates in regional crackdowns and uses state laws (such as AB 3) that allow for immediate driver’s license suspension of up to 6 months for those involved in “sideshows”.
Penalties for Crimes in 2026
Under current 2026 standards, the following penalties apply:
- Drivers & Participants:
- Jail Time: Up to 6 months in county jail.
- Fines: Up to $5,000 for direct participation.
- License Suspension: Mandatory suspension for 90 days to 6 months.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Vehicles can be impounded for up to 30 days.
- Spectators:
- Citations: Spectators can be charged with a misdemeanor.
- Fines: Up to $1,000 per violation.
- Vehicle Towing: Under the new 2025/2026 state-wide authority, law enforcement can impound vehicles belonging to spectators if they are found to be aiding or encouraging the event.
- Organizers & Promoters:
- Felony Charges: Individuals who organize or promote events, including through social media or private group chats, can face felony charges for aiding and abetting.
Proving a Violation
Law enforcement in Huntington Beach and surrounding areas can use several factors as evidence of a violation, even if a race has not yet started:
- Preparations: Evidence like revving engines, spinning tires, or individuals acting as “starters”.
- Scene Description: Large groups gathered late at night with modified vehicles in non-traditional racing areas.
- Digital Footprint: Social media posts, live streams, or group chat messages used to coordinate the gathering.
Santa Ana Penalties
The City of Santa Ana maintains a “zero tolerance” policy toward street racing and takeovers.
- Spectator Ordinance: Santa Ana has an ordinance making it a misdemeanor to knowingly be a spectator within 200 feet of an illegal street race or takeover.
- Task Force: Santa Ana participates in a countywide multi-agency task force that has conducted hundreds of operations, leading to thousands of citations and hundreds of arrests.
Penalties for Crimes (2026)
The following penalties apply to drivers, organizers, and spectators as of the new 2025/2026 regulations:
| Category | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|
| Drivers | Up to 6 months in jail, fines up to $5,000, and mandatory license suspension for 90 days to 6 months. |
| Spectators | Fines of up to $1,000, up to 6 months in jail, and potential vehicle impoundment. |
| Organizers/Promoters | Can face felony charges for aiding and abetting, even if they only promote the event online. |
| Vehicle Seizure | Vehicles involved in or assisting (including those of spectators) can be impounded for up to 30 days. |
| Severe Incidents | If a takeover or race results in serious injury or death, participants can face felony charges and up to 15 years to life in prison (Watson Murder). |
If you witness a takeover or street race in progress anywhere in Orange County you are advised to leave the area and call 911 immediately.