New California law targets speeding street racers who block or impede traffic

The CHP will be able to crack down on street racers with the help of a new law that is taking effect on January 1, 2022.

The new law, AB 3, by Assemblyman Vince Fong, is entitled Sideshow Definition and Penalties. This new law will strengthen penalties for those convicted of exhibition of speed if the violation occurred as part of a sideshow.
 
Beginning on July 1, 2025, courts will be permitted to suspend a person’s driver’s license between 90 days and six months if the person is convicted of exhibition of speed and if the violation occurred as part of a “sideshow.”

Section 23109(c) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC – exhibition of speed) will define sideshow as an event in which two or more persons block or impede traffic on a highway for the purpose of performing motor vehicle stunts, motor vehicle speed contests, motor vehicle exhibitions of speed, or reckless driving for spectators.
 
The courts will be required to consider a defendant’s medical, personal, or family hardship that requires a person to have a driver’s license before determining whether to suspend a person’s driver’s license.