New CA laws will target illegal O.C. street takeovers and sideshow activities

New legislation (AB 1978, AB 2186, AB 2807, AB 3085) that will go into effect on Jan. 1, will target illegal sideshow activities and street takeovers, which have become a huge problem all over Califoronia.

These new laws include:

• AB 1978 by Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (R-Rancho Santa Margarita) – Vehicles: speed contests
• AB 2186 by Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Palm Springs) – Vehicles: impoundment
• AB 2807 by Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua (D-Stockton) – Vehicles: sideshows and street takeovers
• AB 3085 by Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) – Vehicles: removal and impoundment

These laws will allow law enforcement to impound vehicles involved in illegal street racing and exhibitions of speed, whether on public roads or in parking lots.

AB 2807 also defines the term “street takeover,” while AB 3085 expands the list of offenses eligible for vehicle impoundment.

In California, the average cost of a vehicle impoundment is around $136.50 for a standard-sized car, but can vary depending on the vehicle size, towing complexity, and the reason for impoundment, with heavier vehicles potentially costing closer to $262 for impound fees alone; additional storage fees apply per day the vehicle remains impounded.

The cost of impounding a vehicle in Santa Ana, California depends on the type of impound and storage, and may include additional fees: 

• Regular impound or storage: $173
• 30-day impound: $235
• Sign-offs for SAPD citations: $5
• Sign-offs for non-SAPD citations: $18.73
• Copy of a lost citation: $2
• Daily storage: $42.50 on average
• City parking occupancy tax: 10% of storage fees
• Mileage: $7.50 per mile for towing
• Stolen parts: $77 if the police removed stolen parts

Key points about vehicle impoundment costs in California:

• Basic impound fee: Typically around $136.50 for a standard vehicle.
• Heavy duty vehicle fee: Can be significantly higher, around $262.
• Storage fees: Additional daily charges for keeping the vehicle in impound.
• Varying factors: Costs can fluctuate depending on the city or county, specific towing situation, and reason for impoundment (like DUI).

Art Pedroza Editor

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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