Vallejo is going to start citing spectators at sideshows, as well promoters and instigators.
The City Council passed the ordinance unanimously 7-0 Tuesday evening, agreeing with Police Chief Shawny Williams, who called the activity "street terrorism."
Sideshows are "an issue that has plagued our city for a long time," said Williams.
A Bay Area pastime, sideshows typically take place intersections and parking lots in which drivers perform stunts in their cars. They’re major social events, especially among young people, often attracting hundreds of spectators.
"These are riotous takeovers," said Vallejo Police Captain Jason Potts, who spoke to council members alongside Chief Williams. Fourth of July was particularly strenuous, with sideshows including fireworks all over the city, depleting their resources.
This new ordinance is "signaling to those instigators and those promoters that sideshows won’t be tolerated here in the city of Vallejo," said Potts.
As well as, "a way for us to improve the quality of life and also save lives," said Williams.
Starting immediately, spectators are prohibited at what the city defines as exhibitions of reckless driving or excessive speed.
According to the ordinance, a "spectator" is any person who is present at a street race or reckless driving exhibition, or the site of the preparation for either of these activities, for the purpose of viewing, observing, watching, or witnessing the event as it progresses. They are present if they are within 200 feet of the location where the event is being held or where preparations are being made for it to begin.
Individuals can be issued citations, and can be fined up to $1,000 or a period of jail time up to 6 months, or both.
The hope is that there will be less incentive for spectators to come out to these "takeovers" if there is the threat of a fine, said Potts.
Vallejo modeled its crackdown after ordinances in San Jose, Los Angeles and San Diego.