Sacramento Passes Street Racing Spectator Law

Sacramento Passes Street Racing Spectator Law
Some Fear Ordinance Goes Too Far

POSTED: 4:25 pm PDT April 14, 2005
UPDATED: 6:04 pm PDT April 14, 2005

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Street racing is already a crime in the city of Sacramento. Now, police want to crack down on spectators who like to watch the illegal action.

The dangers of street racing are not just limited to drivers and passengers in the cars. Many times, the tragic result of a race gone bad is the death of an innocent victim who only wanted to watch.

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Because of stories like Keck's, Sacramento police on Thursday proposed a controversial new city ordinance that would cite anyone who just shows up to watch a street race.

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For a first offense, spectators can face fines of $500. After that, penalties jump to $1,000 and the possibility of jail time.

more...
http://www.thekcrachannel.com/news/4381488/detail.html

There are already laws on the books that make it legal to fine people observing cockfights, and this is no different. The legal theory is that cockfights and street races won't happen if nobody watches, so the crowds are supporting the existance of a criminal enterprise. Eliminate the crowds and you'll eliminate the races.