If you’ve been charged with participating in or contributing to sideshows and street takeover events simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time—you’re not alone.
However, these are high-profile, dangerous events. Participating in or aiding and abetting the setup of these events is a misdemeanor crime.
California is cracking down hard—and the penalties are becoming increasingly severe.
In a recent sideshow raid, Stockton Police, with the help of several neighboring municipalities, pulled over 1,243 vehicles, issued 1,137 citations, towed more than 200 vehicles, arrested 44 people, including some known gang members, and confiscated six firearms.
“As sideshows have evolved in recent years to encompass a range of criminal elements, including but not limited to gun violence, narcotics possession, extensive property damage, and serious public safety concerns. This proactive enforcement strategy led to the arrest of several individuals, including known gang members.”—Stockton Police Department.
We’ve spoken with many drivers who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and they ended up facing serious consequences.
At Bigger & Harman, we understand how fast these situations escalate.
What’s Changed Under AB-3?
Assembly Bill 3 (AB-3, Fong) gives law enforcement and the courts more power than ever.
“…authorizes the court to order the privilege to operate a motor vehicle suspended for 90 days to 6 months and restrict the person’s operation of a motor vehicle for the purposes of their employment.”—AB-3, Fong. Exhibition of Speed on a Highway.
If you're convicted of an exhibition of speed or reckless driving tied to sideshows and street takeover incidents, you could face the following penalties:
A license suspension for 90 days to six months
Driving restrictions limited to employment
County jail time up to 90 days or two years probation
A base fine of up to $500 (before assessments, fees, etc.)
AB-3 redefines and broadens the scope of what qualifies as a sideshow, even including reckless driving or speed contests.
Expanded Vehicle Impound & Felony Risks
Additional laws, such as AB 1978 and AB 2186, now allow officers to impound vehicles used in organizing or blocking roads for these events—whether on public streets or private parking facilities.
Under AB 2186, vehicles can be impounded for up to 30 days. AB 2807 formally classifies these incidents as street takeovers under California law.
Repeat offenders? You’re looking at even more trouble—higher fines, license revocation, and possible felony charges for organizing or promoting one of these events.
Caught at the Scene? Know Your Rights
You don’t need to be racing to get charged. Police can arrest those “aiding and abetting” sideshows and street takeovers.
We’ve seen cases where just being a spectator resulted in charges.
If you're apprehended, exercise your “right to remain silent.” Don’t accept a plea deal or make statements without legal representation.
A conviction can follow you for years and affect your career and driving privileges. An employer or college recruiter might look at this as irresponsible behavior.
Stronger Tech, Broader Definitions
Law enforcement now uses license plate readers, drones, and surveillance to track down drivers after the fact.
And with the new broader definition of sideshows, any off-street reckless driving or organized car meets can result in criminal charges.
That means you could be cited days after an event—long after you've left the scene. We’ve seen clients surprised by an arrest warrant or ticket for something they didn’t know was illegal.
How Can a Traffic Attorney Help with These Charges?
If you’re facing a charge in connection with a sideshows and street takeover in Stockton or elsewhere in San Joaquin County, call us.
Bigger & Harman has decades of experience defending drivers across California.
We can negotiate for reduced charges or complete dismissal in some cases. If there is a dismissal, we can typically petition the judge to reverse the towing and storage fees associated with vehicle impoundment, which could save you $2,000 or more.
Our traffic attorneys are familiar with these cases and know how to negotiate lesser (non-criminal) charges and defend them effectively. We can often get a full dismissal when there are inconsistencies or “reasonable doubt.”
Don’t risk your driving privileges or a criminal record. Let us help you fight back.
For extended reading on this subject, consider our blog post “Proposed Changes to the CA Vehicle Code That Could Adversely Affect Bakersfield Drivers,” or “What Are Sideshows” in our Flipping Book.
Consult Bigger & Harman About Sideshows & Street Takeover Charges
If you have been caught up in or charged with participating in sideshows and street takeovers and need legal help in Stockton Courthouse, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755.
Avoid making any statement or agreeing to a “plea deal” without having an attorney present.
Additionally, use our online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Can I be charged for just watching a sideshow or street takeover?
A: Yes. California law allows charges for aiding, abetting, or even spectating these events. Likewise, a driver might just be passing through the area and get caught up in a dragnet. Always consult an attorney immediately.
Q: Can my car be impounded if I'm charged with participating in a sideshow or street takeover?
A: Yes. Under AB 1978 and AB 2186, law enforcement can impound vehicles used in sideshows and street takeoverincidents for up to 30 days—even if you weren’t driving. If your vehicle was involved in blocking roads or facilitating the event, it could be towed and stored at your expense.
Q: Can one of Bigger & Harman’s traffic attorneys help if I wasn’t driving but was at the scene?
A: Yes. A traffic attorney can evaluate the evidence and argue that you were not actively participating. Simply being present in the area of an event doesn’t always equal guilt.
References:
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.
The Fox40.com article, Northern California sideshow crackdown nets more than 1,200 stops, 200 cars towed.
CA VC Section 23103, Driving Offenses and Section 13352.5, Suspension or Revocation of Licenses.
AB-3, Fong. Exhibition of Speed on a Highway, AB 1978 (Sanchez), and AB 2186 (Wallis).