25-02 - Traffic Related Disturbances - New Radio Code for Street Takeovers (511)
VOLUME 25 NUMBER 02 DATE: February 7, 2025
PURPOSE
The purpose of this newsletter is to provide information about street takeovers, street racing, and cruising.
Radio code 511 has been created and will be used for entering street takeover related calls. Department members assigned as desk personnel should properly utilize the street takeover radio code. The 510 radio code will continue to function as the street racing radio code.
Assembly Bill 436 (2023) codified changes related to vehicle violations and cruising in California Vehicle Code (CVC) Sections 21100 and 24008, resulting in cruising now being legal and no longer a citable offense.
CRUISING
Local laws prohibiting cruising originated in 1982 when state lawmakers passed legislation that allowed local governments to implement anti-cruising ordinances. Cruising was defined as repetitive driving a motor vehicle past a traffic control point in traffic that is congested at or near another traffic control point.
AB 436 amended 21100 CVC by repealing the authority of local authorities to enact ordinances regulating cruising. Thus, sections 15.78.010 LACC and 24008 CVC are no longer citable offenses, and cruising is not unlawful. Other vehicle code sections and equipment violations may still apply, and enforcement efforts should still be conducted if those other violations are applicable.
STREET TAKEOVERS
A street takeover is defined as an unauthorized gathering of car enthusiasts, who unlawfully seize control over an intersection, street, parking lot, or other roadway surface intended for traversing vehicles, and use one or more vehicles to perform reckless stunts, which often result in property damage and/or injury.
Street takeovers were previously isolated to smaller events that occurred with less frequency. These car gatherings evolved into the street takeover scene and created reckless activities which are glorified on social media platforms.
RELEVANT CODES
The Department has created the following radio code for use in the event of a street takeover:
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Radio Code 511 – Street Takeover
Radio Code 511 will be used for street takeover related calls. The use of a specific radio code for street takeovers will ensure more accurate tracking of these common calls.
Calls dispatched with the 511 radio code may be cleared with the following clearance code:
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Clearance Code 731 – Vehicle/Boat Disturbances/Street Takeover
(The description will be updated in the next publication of the Statistical Code Guide / Radio Code Book.)
Example: If a street takeover (511) call is received:
- Clearance Code 731 should be used to clear the call when there is evidence a street takeover occurred (e.g. vehicles dispersed/dispersing upon arrival, skid marks, peel out smoke, etc.).
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If there is no evidence of a street takeover, Clearance Code 731 is not necessary.
The conclusion of a street takeover call may require the use of applicable traffic or non-traffic related statistical codes. Handling personnel should use appropriate statistical codes that can apply if any enforcement, detention, or investigation occurs (e.g., vehicle tows, criminal investigative reports, traffic crash reports, cites/arrests).
Radio Code 510 will continue to function as the street racing radio code. It will include road rage and vehicle(s) speeding/weaving without taking over a roadway to impede the flow of traffic.
CITABLE OFFENSES
The following is a list of citable offenses that may be applicable to traffic related disturbance calls and investigations.
Rules of the Road
Equipment Violations
Notable Tow Authorities
CONCLUSION
511 radio code will be used to input street takeover calls and assist with tracking.
Cruising is now legal and the authority to regulate cruising at the local level has been removed from the California Vehicle Code.
If you require further information, contact Field Operations Support Services at (323) 890-5411 or fossunit@lasd.org.
REFERENCES
AB 436 – leginfo.legislature.ca.gov