Bill Summary
This bill will repeal the authority of local ag encies to prohibit cruising across the State and highlight the role of cruising in creating community, expressing love for
art, and bringing unity.
Existing Law
Under existing law, a local authority is prohibited from enacting or enforcing an ordinanc e on matters covered
by the Vehicle Code, unless expressly authorized by the Vehicle Code. Currently, local authorities adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution regarding
specified matters, including, among others, crossing
guards, the operation of bicycles, the removal of illegally parked vehicles, and cruising, as defined. Additionally, under existing law, a passenger vehicle, or commercial
vehicle under 6,000 pounds, that has been modified from its original design so that any portion of the vehicle, other than the wheels, has less clearance from the surface of a level roadway than the clearance between the roadway
and the lowermost portion of any rim of any wheel in
contact with the roadway to be operated is prohibited. In 2022 the California Legislature, with bipartisan support, passed Assembly Concurrent Resolution 176 (Luz Rivas)
which celebrates and promotes the history and culture of cruising.
Background
Since the 1950s, car clubs and family members have
converted ol der cars for cruising, sho ws, and
competitions at events. Cruising is a historic and
important part of culture for many multicultural
communities.
The prohibition on operating an automobile below a
certain point was enacted in state law soon thereafter
(1958). California is one of the few states that regulate this attribute of an automobile. During the late 1980s, the state amended the Vehicle Code to authorize local
authorities to enact anti-cruising ordinances in response to the concern over traffic con gestion and generalized fear of crime. Several cities and counties soon enacted ordinances that ban traveling along a certain route more than a few times within a specified time period.
In 2022, the city of Sacramento unanimously repealed
this antiquated cruising ordinance. Most recently,
National City also voted to repeal the local ordinance.
Many other cities in California have also been
considering the continuing need to repeal similar
ordinances.
Details of the Bill
AB-436 would do the following:
a) Repeal the authorization for a local authority to
adopt rules and regulations regarding cruising.
b) Repeal the prohibition on operating a passenger
vehicle, or commercial vehicle under 6,000
pounds, that has been lowered below a certain
point.
Support
● California Lowrider Alliance (Co-Sponsor)
● Sacramento Lowrider Commission (Co-Sponsor)
● United Lowrider Coalition (Co-Sponsor)
● Automotive Service Councils of California
● City of Ceres Council District 2
For More Information
Cynthia Yepez, Legislative Assistant
Assemblymember David Alvarez, District 80
Office: 916-319-2080
[email protected]
Lisa Schmidt, District Director
Assemblymember David Alvarez, District 80
Office: 619-498-8580
[email protected]
AB 436 (Alvarez): Cruising is Not a Crime
Attachment 1