Teens and young adults have always participated in street racing to some extent. However, in recent decades, drag racing and unauthorized car shows, known as “street takeovers” and “sideshows,” have become increasingly common. San Diego police have stepped up enforcement by creating a dedicated street racing task force to combat these activities. At the same […]
Do You Need a Lawyer for an Open Container Law in California?
There’s a time and a place for everything. While there’s nothing wrong with cracking open a cold bottle of beer after work, it is a problem if you’re still in your car. California Vehicle law sections 23221-23229 (VC) set specific conditions for when an individual can or cannot drive with an open alcoholic beverage or […]
It is Not Illegal to Wear a Mask in Public in California
Maybe it’s because of Hollywood or perhaps it’s just because California loves Halloween more than other states, but our state’s mask laws are pretty relaxed overall. In fact, whereas some states make it illegal for people over 16 to wear masks and others ban their use outside of October, wearing a mask is legal for […]
Can I Legally Drive Barefoot?
For some reason, it seems everyone has heard that it is illegal to drive barefoot. Sometimes, the person spreading these rumors claims it’s an infraction. Other times, they may even say it’s a misdemeanor under the state’s reckless driving laws. But if you’re hoping you can go shoeless behind the wheel, go ahead and slip off your […]
You Can Get a DUI on a Horse in California
Under California DUI laws, anything self-propelled can be considered a vehicle. Under Vehicle Code section 21050 (VC), anyone riding or driving on an animal on public property is subject to the same laws as those operating a motor vehicle. In other words, these two laws make it illegal to ride a horse or operate a […]
Jaywalking is Legal in California. Here’s What to Know
Police tend to use jaywalking tickets as a pretext to stop African American pedestrians. By decriminalizing jaywalking, this problem could be erased without making the streets any more dangerous for pedestrians.
Can You Get a DUI for Driving While High in California?
While recreational marijuana may be legal in California, driving under the influence of cannabis is still a crime. While most people associate DUIs with alcohol use, California Vehicle Code 23152(f) (VC) allows people to be charged with this crime after driving under the influence of any controlled substance, including marijuana. Even if you have a […]
What is the Sentence for Vehicular Manslaughter in California?
Vehicular homicide, detailed under California Penal Code section 192(c) (PC), is one of the most serious driving offenses a person can be charged with. It occurs when someone dies because another person was driving in negligently or unlawfully. You can even face vehicular manslaughter charges if you caused a fatal car accident while speeding. If […]
What to do if You’re Accused of Evading the Police in California
When you see a police car’s flashing lights, you are expected to pull over, even if only to get out of the way. But failing to do so does not constitute evading arrest in California, nor is the definition limited to the high-speed chases commonly seen on TV news programs —in fact, most cases of […]
Drive-By Shooting Penalties in Vista: 26100 (PC)
While some believe only the shooter is criminally liable in a drive-by shooting, that is far from the truth. Under California law, Penal Code section 26100 (PC) says if your vehicle was used for a drive-by shooting, but you were not present, you could be convicted if the prosecution can prove that you knew your […]
