The Overview

If screeching tires at a late-night intersection have ever kept you awake, California just made the most dangerous version of that stunt a felony when someone gets hurt. California's Sideshow Accountability and Community Safety Act became law on Sept. 20, 2026, adding motorcycles and off-highway vehicles to the state's sideshow definition and making a speed exhibition at a sideshow that causes injury punishable as a misdemeanor or felony. ​

California's Sideshow Accountability and Community Safety Act, AB 1588, became law when Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed it Sept. 20. The Los Angeles Times reported, citing police data, that Los Angeles recorded 500 sideshows in the first half of 2021. The new penalty changes take effect upon enactment; vehicle-suspension provisions take effect Jan. 1, 2029.

What the Law Does

California law already banned motor vehicle exhibitions of speed at sideshows, defined as events where two or more people block traffic for stunts or reckless driving. The law expands that definition to include motorcycles and off-highway vehicles, and adds felony-level penalties when a sideshow causes injury, a major step up from the previous maximum of 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. It also increases fines and requires a mandatory minimum jail sentence for people who engage in a speed exhibition as part of a sideshow.

Legislative Status

Asm. Catherine Stefani (D) authored the bill. Six co-authors joined her: Republicans Asm. Diane Dixon, Asm. Stan Ellis, Asm. Laurie Davies, and Asm. Juan Alanis, along with Democrats Asm. Michelle Rodriguez and Sen. Jesse Arreguín. The full Assembly passed it 75-0 on May 26. The Senate passed it 40-0 on Aug. 30, and the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments 76-0 the same day.

Stefani said the law "gives law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on sideshows and hold repeat offenders accountable," according to a City of San Francisco announcement. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said: "Dangerous sideshows have no place in our neighborhoods, and we will use every tool available to keep our streets safe," according to a city statement.

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