If you’re facing a misdemeanor street racing, speed contest, or sideshow charge, knowing your rights is crucial. One of the most important? Your “right to remain silent.”
Many drivers don’t realize the difference between an infraction and a misdemeanor traffic offense. A misdemeanor can mean jail time, probation, and hefty fines.
With the passage of AB-3, Exhibition of Speed on a Highway: Punishment, law enforcement in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County, CA, could seek vehicle impounds and harsher penalties.
This amendment to CA Vehicle Code (VC) 23109, Speed Contest, focuses on harsher punishments for illegal street racing, a speed contest, or sideshow, and/or “aiding and abetting” the same—especially those resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
What Does AB-3 Change?
When AB-3 takes effect, it will increase penalties for street racing, speed contests, or sideshows by enhancing the punishments and penalties for these misdemeanor charges when linked to these events.
The term “highway” in the law doesn’t just mean freeways. It includes any public road or parking facility.
Even those accused of aiding and abetting these illegal sideshows could have their vehicle towed and impounded for up to 30 days, leading to more expenses if not cleared of the charge.
What Is a Misdemeanor Speed Contest Charge?
“(a) A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway or in an off-street parking facility. As used in this section, a motor vehicle speed contest includes a motor vehicle race against another vehicle, a clock, or other timing device.”—CA Vehicle Code Section 23109, Speed Contest.
Additionally, under section (c), an exhibition of speed is classified as a misdemeanor. Even aiding or abetting—such as blocking roads, selling tickets, or keeping time—can lead to misdemeanor charges.
“A “sideshow” will be defined by CA Vehicle Code 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.” — AB-3.
Don’t think that because it is a traffic violation it will end in a fine only!
What Are the Penalties for Participating or Aiding in Street Racing, a Speed Contest, or a Sideshow?
A conviction for an exhibition of speed charge or involvement in a street racing, speed contest, or sideshow can result in any or all of the following:
A base fine of $355 to $1,000
Additional surcharges that multiply the total fine by three to five times
One to 90 days in the Kern County jail or probation for up to two years
Community service
Restrictions on driving for employment purposes
Ups the suspension period from 90 days to six months
Potential vehicle impoundment with storage fees exceeding $1,500
This is clearly something parents should be discussing with their teens—especially teen drivers.
Even being in the area of an illegal sideshow could lead to an arrest, a misdemeanor charge, and a vehicle impound.
What Exactly Does AB-3 Do?
Defines an illegal street racing sideshow as an event where people block traffic to perform stunts, street races, “drifting,” or drive recklessly.
Increases penalties for those involved, directly or indirectly, such as setting up roadblocks or collecting tickets or cash.
Why You Need a Traffic Attorney for Street Racing, Speed Contest, Sideshow, or Exhibition of Speed Charge
A misdemeanor exhibition of speed charge isn’t just a ticket—it’s a serious offense with lasting consequences.
The prosecution will push for the harshest penalties if you’re accused of participating in or even aiding a street racing, speed contest, or sideshow. You need a traffic attorney with trial experience.
An experienced Kern County traffic attorney can challenge the charges, negotiate reduced penalties, and fight to protect your driving and criminal record.
Exercise your right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning.
A traffic attorney who understands the law can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact Bigger & Harman About a Street Racing, Speed Contest, or Sideshow Charge
AB-3, the amendment to CA VC Section 23109, Speed Contest, will take effect on 1 July 2025.
If you are accused of participating in street racing, a speed contest, or a sideshow in Bakersfield in Kern County, call the Bakersfield Traffic Ticket Defense Team of Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
We also provide immediate assistance to those who fall under the jurisdiction of Lamont, Shafter, Mojave, Ridgecrest, and Delano, CA.
Have questions about an exhibition of speed or speed contest charge? Read our article, The California Assemble Toughens the Consequences for Sideshows.
If you or a family member have been ticketed, had a vehicle impounded, or charged, contact Bigger & Harman, APC, immediately.
Email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our contact form to schedule a consultation.
References:
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.
CA VC Section 23109, Speed Contest
AB-3, Exhibition of Speed on a Highway: Punishment and the Assembly Transportation Committee Hearing on 22 March 2022.