POLICE are cracking down on speeding and racing on Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach and other areas (Shutterstock).
An increasingly popular – and dangerous – pastime across the state and nation is street racing, especially with loud engine and exhaust noise. Local law enforcement agencies are mobilizing to crack down.
On Sunday, May 23, officers from the Huntington Beach Police Department took part in a joint enforcement operation targeting loud and/or modified vehicle exhaust and street racing. In addition to HBPD resources, the operation utilized over 50 motorcycle officers and sheriff’s deputies from Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, California Highway Patrol, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (cities of Dana Point and San Clemente). Sunday’s joint enforcement efforts spanned the length of Orange County along Pacific Coast Highway, as well as freeway and arterial access points to the coast.
- 445 vehicles were stopped for vehicle code violations
- 348 vehicles were issued citations for vehicle code violations, including
loud and/or modified exhaust
- 44 vehicles were inspected on-site for modified exhaust violations
- 16 vehicles were referred to on-site Department of Motor Vehicles investigators for possible vehicle registration violations
- 4 vehicles were issued citations for exceeding 100 mph
- 4 vehicles were stopped and the driver/passenger arrested for DUI and/or narcotic violations
On Sunday evening, officers from a countywide street racing detail focused their efforts on street racing violations and intersection “takeover” car clubs operating within Huntington Beach city limits. The targeted enforcement resulted in multiple arrests and citations:
- 2 arrested for reckless driving
- 17 vehicles were issued traffic citations
- 2 vehicles were impounded
In response to numerous complaints received and the negative impact on our community due to loud and/or modified vehicle exhaust and street racing, the HBPD will be conducting increased enforcement operations throughout the summer months to focus on these violations.
