SACRAMENTO – Legislation introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) that will put the brakes on illegal street racing and reckless driving on California’s roads has passed the legislature with broad, bipartisan support and now heads to Governor Newsom for his signature.
The bill, Assembly Bill 1407, strengthens existing law by requiring a 30-day impound of a vehicle for subsequent convictions of reckless driving or street racing, as well as the removal of all illegal modifications once the vehicle is released.
“Reckless driving and illegal street racing put lives at risk every time drivers speed through our neighborhoods, race on the interstate, or participate in side shows,” said Assemblymember Friedman. “It’s time to get tough on repeat offenders with penalties that are proven to deter this criminal activity.”
This would not be the first time such a measure has passed the legislature. In 2017, Assemblymember Friedman authored similar legislation, AB 1393, that put an impound penalty in place for reckless driving and illegal street racing. The bill garnered overwhelming support in both houses but was vetoed by then-Governor Jerry Brown.
“Addressing the issue of street racing, speed contests, and reckless driving is essential to maintaining community safety,” said Glendale Chief of Police Carl Povilaitis. “AB 1407 will provide some additional consequences for those who engage in these unsafe activities on our roadways and endanger others including bicyclists, pedestrians and other drivers. This bill will provide a badly needed tool to combat dangerous driving and protect our community.”
The overwhelming support for AB 1407 in the legislature has Assemblymember Friedman hopeful that this direly-needed public safety measure will finally be able to make its way into law this year. Governor Newsom has until October 13th to sign the bill into law.
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Laura Friedman represents the 43rd Assembly District which encompasses the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and La Cañada Flintridge, as well as the communities of La Crescenta and Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, Beachwood Canyon, Los Feliz, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, and Silver Lake.