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Enforcement Against Illegal Street Takeovers Stepped Up Ahead of July 4th Holiday

Newly increased fines up to $1,000 for drivers, organizers and promoters. 

As families gather to celebrate the July 4th weekend, Los Angeles County is reminding residents that illegal street takeovers are dangerous, illegal and often deadly. Anyone participating–as drivers, organizers or even by promoting takeovers on social media–contributes to the danger and could be subject to fines of up to $1,000.

Last Sunday, in Los Angeles County’s Second District alone, a shooting at an illegal street takeover in Carson resulted in one fatality and six people injured. That same day a takeover in Gardena disrupted neighborhoods and blocked residents from entering their homes. At a South Los Angeles takeover, multiple vehicles were destroyed and a stolen vehicle erupted in flames. These are just a few out of many examples that speak to the national trend of takeovers increasing during the summer months.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, whose Second District experiences a disproportionately high number of illegal street takeovers and who spearheaded the County’s Street Takeover Reduction Workgroup, shared: “No one should have to fear for their safety or risk losing their life because of these reckless and entirely preventable events. We cannot accept a future where every summer brings another wave of dangerous street takeovers that threaten our neighborhoods. As we head into the holiday weekend and the busy summer season, our message is clear: if you choose to participate in, organize or promote an illegal street takeover you will be held accountable. The consequences are real, and together we will protect our communities.”

LA County has a zero tolerance for these dangerous events. The Sheriff’s Department will be increasing enforcement during the upcoming holiday weekend.

“Street takeovers are not a victimless crime, they are dangerous, illegal, and will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. “Our deputies will continue to take decisive enforcement action against those who participate in or facilitate these reckless events. Enforcement remains a critical component of our public safety strategy, but it is only one part of the solution.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department remains committed to a comprehensive approach that combines strong enforcement with prevention, education, and meaningful community partnerships to deter illegal activity, improve public safety, and protect the quality of life for everyone in Los Angeles County,” Sheriff Luna continued.

“Street Racing Kills—It’s Just Not Worth It,” a public service announcement released by the Department of Youth Development, tells the true story of Jacob, a young man whose split second decision resulted in a crash that took the lives of his three closest friends. His message is simple: one choice can change everything.

Preventing illegal street takeovers requires all of us—residents, families, community organizations, businesses, and government partners—working together to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Background on the LA County Street Takeover Reduction Workgroup: 

The County’s Street Takeover Reduction Workgroup, created in response to a Board motion by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, remains committed to reducing these incidents and improving public safety through a comprehensive, multi-agency strategy that includes:

• Expanding youth prevention and education programs through the Department of Youth Development, the Department of Public Health, and Street Racing Kills;
• Installing deterrent infrastructure at high-impact intersections through the Department of Public Works;
• Strengthening enforcement coordination among the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and local law enforcement partners;
• Collaborating with social media companies, including Snap, Google, TikTok, Meta, and X, to remove and demonetize content that promotes illegal takeover activity; and
• Exploring safe and legal alternatives for automotive enthusiasts through partnerships with Slyd District Racing League and Project Street Legal.

These efforts are producing meaningful results. Countywide, overall street takeovers occurring in the County’s unincorporated and contract cities declined by 33% percent between 2024 and 2025 and 53% from 2024 to 2026 (based on data from the first three months of each year).

Youth outreach remains a cornerstone of this work. Eightythree percent of youth participating in prevention workshops reported being less likely to engage in street racing or related behavior.

If you know of an illegal street takeover being organized or see one occurring, please call your local law enforcement agency. To contact your local LA County Sheriff Department station, visit: https://lasd.org/lasd-phone-directory/

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