Home What to Know About California Street Racing Laws

What to Know About California Street Racing Laws

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August 15, 2025Briana Seftel

Speeding Driver Gets Pulled Over By Police Patrolling Car.

Sideshows, takeovers, and street racing have been immortalized in film and television, from The Fast and The Furious franchise to Street Outlaws. In reality, street racing is a highly illegal and dangerous practice that has been a growing concern in Los Angeles and Orange County since the pandemic.

With blatant disregard for the speed limit and performing dangerous maneuvers, street racing can result in a deadly accident for drivers, passengers, bystanders, or other road users. If you were involved in a street racing accident, you may need a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to help you recover financial compensation.

Understanding California Vehicle Code 23109

California Vehicle Code (CVC) 23109 defines street racing as willfully engaging in a motor vehicle race on a public street, highway, or freeway. This includes racing another vehicle or racing against a timing device. Engaging in such activities is prohibited by law and can lead to criminal charges. On the other hand, racing on private property is legal.

Between January and March 2024, the city of Los Angeles reported over 176 street races, reflecting a nearly 50% increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, the number of street takeovers increased by 2%, reaching 190. However, officials have noted that these figures might be underestimated due to an ongoing data collection upgrade at the LAPD.

Penalties for Illegal Street Racing

Participating in a motor vehicle speed contest is illegal under California law. Depending on whether an accident results in injury or death, it can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.

For most first-time offenders, street racing in California is charged as a misdemeanor. Penalties for a misdemeanor conviction may include:

Fines: Typically ranging from $355 to $1,000.
Imprisonment: Possible jail time up to 90 days in county jail.
Probation: Informal probation, including community service and attendance in traffic school or a driver improvement program.
Vehicle impoundment: The vehicle involved in a street race can be impounded for up to 30 days.

Certain aggravating factors can elevate the charges and penalties for street racing in California. These factors include:

Prior street racing convictions: Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including up to six months in jail and license suspension.
Injuries: If the street racing incident leads to severe bodily injury, the driver may be charged with a felony, which can result in up to three years in county jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
Fatalities: If the speed contest results in a death, the defendant could face Penal Code 187 Watson murder charges.
Reckless driving: Additional charges may apply if the racing involves reckless driving, which can compound the penalties.

Reckless Driving Penalties

Street racing and reckless driving often go hand in hand. CVC 23103 defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle on a highway with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This includes driving at speeds or in a manner that is not reasonable or prudent, considering factors such as weather, visibility, traffic, and road conditions.

A misdemeanor reckless driving charge includes up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and two points on the person’s driver’s license. If an injury or death occurs, the reckless driver faces up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

What Happens If I’m in a Street Racing Accident?

Not surprisingly, speed racing and takeovers frequently end with one or more motor vehicles crashing. Drivers may lose control of their cars and crash into another vehicle or object. If this happens to you, you must call 911 immediately and wait for an officer to arrive at the accident scene. Give a complete account of the accident, and the officer will create an official report detailing the crash and potential liable parties.

Stay calm and seek immediate medical attention if you have any injuries. Do not discuss fault with any of the driver(s) involved. Report the accident to your insurance company, and be cautious when speaking with the other party’s insurance company. They will try to minimize your payout by using anything you say against you.

Injuries In a Motor Vehicle Accident

Serious motor vehicle accidents can lead to the following types of injuries:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Amputation
Broken bones
Internal injuries
Burns

Suffering from any one of these injuries is extremely painful. An injury can also affect your ability to work and enjoy your everyday life. A car accident claim filed against the negligent driver can compensate you for your medical expenses related to your injury, pain and suffering, lost income, future loss of earnings, and future rehabilitation costs. It is crucial to speak with an injury attorney if you or a loved one is in this predicament.

Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer

DK Law is a top-rated Los Angeles personal injury law firm representing injured victims of motor vehicle accidents. Our skilled attorneys know the ins and outs of California vehicle code, traffic laws, and personal injury law. We will get you the compensation you deserve after a harrowing accident.

About the Author

Briana Seftel

Briana is the Web Content Manager at DK Law, where she oversees digital strategy and creates clear, client-focused content in the legal field. She earned her B.S. in Journalism from Boston University and brings a strong editorial background to her work, translating complex legal topics into accessible and engaging web content.