The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is set to discuss increasing penalties for those involved in illegal street takeovers during a meeting on Tuesday. The proposal, put forth by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, aims to double misdemeanor fines from $500 to $1,000 for individuals who organize, promote, or assist in these events, according to the meeting agenda.
The recommendation seeks to expand the ordinance to include off-street parking areas and suggests measures to remove social media posts that promote illegal sideshows. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to prevent these dangerous events before they occur.
Street takeovers have become a significant issue in Los Angeles County, with incidents causing injuries and even fatalities. For instance, in September, three vehicles attempting a takeover crashed into a Metro bus in the Vermont Vista neighborhood. In another incident in July 2023, a pickup truck lost control and drove into a crowd in Gramercy Park.
The county’s efforts to address street takeovers include youth outreach, infrastructure improvements, and exploring legal alternatives for motorsport activities, as outlined in the Street Takeover Action Plan.
Supervisor Mitchell emphasized the need for action, stating that the mere act of walking across the street has become hazardous in many communities. The proposal also considers increasing the use of technology to monitor speeding and expanding penalties for drivers involved in these events.
The Board of Supervisors will consider these measures as part of their ongoing efforts to curb the rise of illegal street takeovers and enhance public safety in Los Angeles County.
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