Speed contests and sideshows combined with reckless driving behavior are high-risk events in California.

We know that the thrill of a street performance can lead to a lifetime of legal trouble. Our law firm is dedicated to protecting your rights when these aggressive charges arise.

Recent Speed Contests & Sideshows Activities in Bakersfield

Based on recent reports, one of the notable areas targeted for sideshow activity involved a large gathering near Mesa Marin Park in East Bakersfield, where police impounded vehicles for unsafe driving in early February 2026.

Here are key details regarding recent sideshow activity and enforcement in Bakersfield:

• Recent Activity (Feb 2026): Bakersfield Police responded to a large vehicle gathering with hundreds of cars near Mesa Marin Park, resulting in impounded vehicles and issuing citations.
• Previous Major Incident (SW): A significant takeover occurred on December 30, 2022, at McCutchen Road and Old River Road, leading to 69 arrests.
• Other Hotspots: Past incidents have been reported in areas like Brundage Lane and A Street (Central), and Oswell Street and Virginia Street.

Bakersfield sideshow enforcement and arrests. This video details recent law enforcement efforts in Bakersfield to stop illegal street takeovers and racing.

Law enforcement, including BPD and CHP, frequently conduct operations to combat these events citywide. Don’t get caught up in these illegal and dangerous activities just to satisfy your curiosity.

Just being within 200 feet of an illegal contest or sideshow is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a “base fine” of $1,000, which, with the added surcharges and assessments, could cost them or their parents nearly $3,000 in fines.

Understanding California’s Stricter Laws Against Participating in Sideshows

California has recently toughened its stance against street exhibitions and racing. Under AB 3, law enforcement has broader authority to define and stop these events. This legislation aims to reduce fatalities by targeting both drivers and active participants.

A "sideshow" now involves two or more spectators blocking traffic for dangerous stunts. These events are no longer considered simple traffic tickets. They are treated as criminal matters that require a strong legal defense.

Local Enforcement in Bakersfield in Kern County, CA

Law enforcement officers are routinely monitoring social media sites for announcements about these activities in Bakersfield in Kern County, CA, to prevent setups and catch offenders.

As stated above, BPD and CHP recently conducted a major raid near Mesa Marin Park in East Bakersfield. They used a "takedown" tactic to impound hundreds of cars in one night.

Police are also monitoring other areas around the city, such as McCutchen Road and SR-99, for signs of illegal reckless driving. These joint operations use drones and ground units to trap participants at intersections.

If you see a gathering starting, we urge you to leave immediately and notify the police.

What Kern County Residents Need to Know About Speed Contests and Sideshows

• What is a "Sideshow" (AB 3/General Context): Defined as events involving stunts, high-speed activities, with two or more spectators, and blocking traffic.
• Goal: To curb dangerous street takeovers, speed contests, and sideshows that promote illegal racing through enhanced definitions and penalties.
• Reckless Driving (CVC 23103): “A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of personsor property is guilty of reckless driving.”
• Speed Contests(CVC 23109a): Illegal racing on highways and off-street parking facilities.
• Exhibition of Speed(CVC 23109c): Prohibits accelerating or driving in a dangerous, unsafe manner to "show off" on highways or parking facilities.
• Penalties: Include base fines up to $1000+ county and state surcharges and assessments that could triple that amount, jail time/probation, license suspension (from 90 days up to 6 months), and costly vehicle impoundment.
• Spectator Penalties: Being within 200 feet of an illegal contest or sideshow is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and $1,000s in fines.
• Criminal Record: A misdemeanor conviction impacts your future employment and higher education opportunities.

Misdemeanor Offenses and the Aiding and Abetting Rule

Most charges related to speed contests and sideshows are classified as misdemeanor offenses.

You can be charged even if you were only watching the event. Aiding and abetting includes any act that encourages or facilitates the illegal race.

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 23109 states:

“(b) A person shall not aid or abet in any motor vehicle speed contest on a highway or in an off-street parking facility. (c) A person shall not engage in a motor vehicle exhibition of speed on a highway or in an off-street parking facility, and a person shall not aid or abet in a motor vehicle exhibition of speed on any highway or in an off-street parking facility.”

Aiding and abetting could be as simple as signaling the start of a street racing contest on any highway. Peer pressure can be difficult to resist, but explaining to your parents that they’ll need to spend thousands of dollars for your defense and your scholarship to Stanford or UCLA has been canceled.

Call Bigger & Harman If You Are Charged with Participating in Speed Contests or Sideshows in Bakersfield, CA

If you are accused of participating in speed contests, sideshows, or reckless driving, invoke your right to remain silent and call Bigger & Harman immediately. Then, resist making any statement without the presence of an attorney.

You will need an experienced trial team. We understand the specific procedures of the Bakersfield Courthouse. Our reputation for success often makes it easier to negotiate lesser charges and penalties with the DA and Kern County courts.

Reach out to us at (661) 367-8232 for a free, confidential consultation. You can also email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our secure website contact form.

We are ready to provide the aggressive defense your situation requires.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section

Q: What is the legal difference between speed contests and sideshows?

A: A speed contest is a race against another car or a clock that involves driving over the speed limit. A sideshow involves blocking a road to perform stunts like drifting or donuts. Both carry similar criminal penalties in California.

Q: Can I face aiding and abetting charges for being a spectator at speed contests and sideshows?

A: Just being within 200 feet of these events is a misdemeanor offense. Police can cite you for aiding and abetting the dangerous exhibition. A conviction could lead to a permanent criminal record. College recruiters and employers will see this on your background check.

Q: What should I do if my car is impounded at a sideshow?

A: You should contact a lawyer immediately to discuss a possible impound hearing. An attorney can help you navigate the process of getting your vehicle back. Do not make statements to the police without counsel.

References:

CVC Section 23109 & 23103, Driving Offenses.

AB-3, Fong. Exhibition of speed on a highway.