Assemblyman Fong's Bill to crack down on illegal street racing passes with bipartisan support

On March 22, the Assembly Transportation Committee passed AB 3, authored by Assemblyman Vince Fong (R-Kern County), with bipartisan support (13-1). AB 3 aims to curb illegal street racing by stopping it at its source: motor vehicle exhibition of speed. Exhibition of speed includes burning out tires, revving engines, performing stunts and other activities intended for an audience or “sideshow” that ultimately leads to a speed contest.

“I authored this bill in response to what our local law enforcement officials have conveyed as a troubling trend throughout our community,” Assemblyman Fong said. “This dangerous activity of street racing and exhibition of speed has spiked tremendously statewide, leading to tragic accidents and senseless deaths of our youth. This bill sends a strong message that this illegal activity will not be tolerated.”

Specifically, AB 3 imposes the same penalties that currently apply to illegal speed racing to also apply to the exhibition of speed. The penalty provides judges the authority to suspend the offending individual’s driver’s license for up to six months.

“Street racing, speed exhibition and impaired driving are full of danger and risk for our youth,” said Carla Pearson, Mothers Against Drunk Driving - Kern County. “In these types of high-speed crashes, vehicles are often dismantled by force. Along with this destruction, young lives are lost, and family members and friends lives are changed forever. That is why Mothers Against Drunk Driving Kern County supports AB 3.”

California communities have seen a sharp rise in illegal street racing as individuals take advantage of highways, parking lots, and roads emptied by stay-at-home orders. Illegal street racing activity is not only dangerous, but it often has fatal consequences for participants, pedestrians, commuters, and law enforcement alike. According to the California Highway Patrol, citations for Motor Vehicle Exhibition of Speed have surged by nearly 300 percent over the past five years.

AB 3 is supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and statewide law enforcement. AB 3 will be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee in the coming weeks.

The AB 3 presentation in committee can be viewed here at http://www.dropbox.com/s/i62lqxme6azsqcv/AB%203%20Vid%20Clips.mp4?dl=0.