The city of Hayward is cracking down on sideshow spectators with a new ordinance approved by the City Council. Starting January 11, 2024, being a bystander at one of these unlawful car stunt shows could earn you a hefty fine or even land you behind bars.

This move by the City Council, reported on their legislative website, extends a prior prohibition that included spectators at unauthorized drag races and other vehicular high-speed shenanigans. The existing law from 2009 laid down the foundational rules against unsanctioned racing, now beefed up to dissuade peeping Tom's from encouraging sideshow participants.

The legislation was a direct response to safety concerns brought forth by the Hayward Police Department, which are aiming to uproot the culture of sideshows from the city. Violators of the ordinance are staring down the barrel of a $500 to $1,000 fine and potentially facing up to six months in jail, depending on the gravity of the offense.

Sideshows, by definition according the amendment and state law, involve a minimum of two daredevils who block traffic to put on their reckless exhibitions for onlookers. The adopted amendment rolls out administrative or criminal enforcement options for dealing with attendees of these risky roadside events.

For those curious about the entirety of the Spectator Ordinance's language and its implications, the city has made the staff report to the City Council publicly available on its website.