Last night, police officers conducted High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) in the west area of Irvine, centered around Gilette and Armstrong, to address complaints of reckless driving and loud exhaust, accordingto the Irvine Police Department.
The police team made 23 stops, wrote 10 citations, gave 11 warnings, and arrested and released two drivers on misdemeanor traffic violations.
Two cars were towed, and two vehicles were referred to the state referee for inspection.
So here’s the deal: If you’re cruising around in an illegally modified vehicle or think doing twistabouts in the middle of the street is a good idea, just know that IPD officers are out ready with the proper paperwork to recognize you for your not-so-cool accomplishments. Trophies not provided. Not in Irvine, Speed Racer!
In 2026, suspects involved in these types of reckless driving and vehicle modification incidents in Irvine face significant legal, financial, and professional consequences under California law.
Legal Penalties
Suspects arrested for misdemeanor traffic violations, such as reckless driving (California Vehicle Code 23103), face the following:
- Jail Time and Fines: Standard reckless driving is punishable by 5 to 90 days in county jail and fines ranging from $145 to $1,000.
- License Points: A conviction adds two points to the driver’s DMV record.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Police may impound vehicles for up to 30 days for reckless driving or speed contests.
- License Suspension: The court may suspend driving privileges for up to 30 days for a first offense, increasing to six months for subsequent offenses.
- State Referee Referrals: Vehicles referred to the state referee for illegal modifications must undergo a formal inspection to ensure compliance with emissions and noise standards; failure to comply can lead to the vehicle being declared non-operational.
Impact on Employment
A misdemeanor conviction is a permanent criminal record that can significantly hinder career prospects:
- Background Checks: Misdemeanor convictions appear on criminal background checks. Under California’s Fair Chance Act, employers may review these convictions after a conditional job offer is made and may rescind the offer if the offense is job-related.
- Driving-Related Roles: Convictions for reckless driving are often disqualifying for positions requiring a clean driving record, such as commercial delivery, law enforcement, or professional transportation.
- Professional Licenses: Licensed professionals (e.g., healthcare workers, teachers) may be required to report criminal convictions to their respective governing boards, potentially leading to disciplinary hearings.
Impact on Auto Insurance
Insurance companies typically view these violations as high-risk behavior:
- Premium Increases: A reckless driving conviction can cause auto insurance premiums to jump by 73% or more. Even minor citations can increase rates by 10% to 30%.
- Loss of Discounts: Drivers will immediately lose their 20% California Good Driver Discount, which typically remains unavailable for at least three to five years.
- Policy Cancellation: Because reckless driving is a major violation, some insurers may classify the individual as “uninsurable” and cancel the policy or refuse renewal, forcing the driver into more expensive “high-risk” insurance pools.
- Long-Term Costs: These violations remain on a driving record for 7 to 10 years, affecting insurance rates throughout that period.