Modesto cracks down on vehicle sideshows. Drivers and spectators can face these fines
New fines for people involved in vehicle sideshows won approval from the Modesto City Council.
It voted 7-0 on Tuesday, July 11, to fine drivers and passengers up to $3,500 for taking part in these displays of speed and stunts. People who organize or promote sideshows could pay as much as $3,000. Those who just watch could be fined up to $2,500.
Because it is an ordinance, it will not take effect until a second vote by the council Aug. 8.
The council adopted the sideshow rules on the same night it repealed a 1990 ban on cruising streets. That was no coincidence. Cruising advocates said they wanted a clear distinction between their family-friendly pastime and sideshows.
Cruising entails driving the same streets repeatedly in hot rods and low-riders. Modesto gained fame when native George Lucas released “American Graffiti” in 1973, based on his own cruising in the early 1960s.
The 1990 ban resulted from complaints about violence, vandalism and other crimes on McHenry Avenue, the main cruise route at the time.
Sideshows are ‘truly dangerous’
Sideshow organizers take over streets or parking lots without permission. Police say the racing, burnouts and other reckless acts can endanger other people and damage property.
Jerry Thompson was among the cruising advocates who worked with Modesto police on the sideshow fines.
“Modesto needs to be a safe community,” he told the council. “We don’t want the kids out there with their parents, cruising, and be hurt by these guys who are acting crazy.”
Thompson was seconded by Chris Murphy, a leader in Modesto’s effort to preserve Graffiti lore.
“The illegal sideshows are truly dangerous,” Murphy said. “... There is death, there is injury, and it’s frightening to a lot of people.”
Turlock already fines spectators
Modesto’s ordinance comes three months after Turlock imposed $1,000 fines for sideshow spectators.
California cities already could use measures such as vehicle seizures and driver’s license suspensions. Sideshows remain a threat nonetheless, Assistant Police Chief Ivan Valencia told the Modesto council.
He said organizers use social media and mobile phones to spread the word, and police radio scanners to monitor nearby officers.
Police said fining spectators is essential because sideshows are by definition about having an audience. People will not be cited if they come upon a blocked-off street accidentally.
