Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies are raising awareness of the perils of street racing and encouraging residents of the Santa Clarita Valley to report such activity by calling 911 before a tragedy occurs, officials said Wednesday.

Each year as spring and summer time approaches, deputies assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station see an increase of sideshow or street racing activities, according to a news release. In fact, these type of activities can be found in communities across Southern California. 

Street racing events continually draw in participants who create a public safety hazard through their unsafe driving and obstruction of public roadways, according to a news release. As a result of their aggressive behavior, other crimes such as assault with a deadly weapon, DUI, and general disturbances of peace frequently occur.

Illegal sideshows and street racing events are reckless, unsafe and unlawful, according to a news release. They pose an extreme danger to those participating in the activity, other motorists and bystanders.

People involved in these activities within the Santa Clarita Valley should expect deputies to take decisive action against them, including citations with enhanced fines, vehicle impounds and jail time for felony and misdemeanor charges, according to a news release.

Not only is street racing illegal to participate in, but spectating is also illegal, according to a news release. Spectators can receive a citation for watching the street race.

Deputies assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station will continue to monitor illegal street racing and take appropriate action when they come into our patrol area, according to a news release. Street racing cannot be tolerated in any form.

Street racing is a misdemeanor crime under Section 23109 (a) of the California Vehicle Code, according to a news release. Persons caught participating in a speed contest can have their vehicles impounded for 30 days at their own expense per Section 23109.2 (a)(1) of the California Vehicle Code.

A driver arrested for street racing can expect to pay some very heavy fines, as well as having their driver’s license suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles, resulting in higher insurance premiums, according to a news release. The financial cost is insignificant when someone greatly injures themselves or claims the life of an innocent bystander. 

If any member of the public is aware of street racing activity in progress or about to occur, call 911 and provide license plate numbers, descriptions of vehicles and subjects involved, according to a news release. If you witness any incidents relating to street racing, or if you have any further information or concerns, please contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121.

You can also remain anonymous by calling “LA Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website at LAcrimstoppers.org (reference #01113).