The SAPD has been cracking down on cruising for decades but now the State of California has stepped in to legalize cruising.

Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-80th District) wrote Assembly Bill 436, which removed the authorization for a local authority to adopt rules and regulations regarding cruising.

During the 2021-2022 legislative session, Assembly Concurrent Resolution 176 (ACR 176- Luz Rivas) was unanimously approved by the State Legislature.  The resolution encourages cities to repeal their bans and recognizes that cruising holds cultural significance for many communities.  The Alvarez bill amended the California Vehicle Code to prohibit local authorities from stopping drivers from cruising and driving cars that have been modified to be of a certain height.

California Governer Gavin Newsom signed this bill into law on Oct 13, 2023.

“It is an honor to introduce this bill to acknowledge classic cars and cruising which is an expression of art and a cultural identity for many of us,” said Assemblymember Alvarez. “With a partnership between car clubs, local officials and law enforcement, safe cruising events with lowriders and classic cars can provide a fun and festive event for families in our communities.”

Will this new law backfire? A local Santa Ana Facebook page reported that someone was stabbed today at the “Cruising is Not A Crime” event- which was the celebration of Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of bill AB436 which effectively lifted the ban on Cruising.

Perhaps the City of Santa Ana needs to step in to organize legal cruising events with police officers for security? If so the organizers of these events better be prepared to pull public event permits, buy general liability insurance and pay for the police security.