LOS ANGELES — City Councilwoman Imelda Padilla presented a motion on Tuesday aiming to synchronize city regulations with the recently enacted state law pertaining to vehicle cruising events.
Effective January 1, Assembly Bill 436 came into force, overturning the statewide ban on cruising events. Additionally, AB 436 eliminated a provision restricting a common car modification known as “low riding,” which allows vehicles to ride close to the ground.
In celebration of the state law, a cruise night unfolded on January 6 along Van Nuys Boulevard, spanning between Oxnard Street and Burbank Boulevard, as reported by Padilla’s office.
Despite the statewide shift, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Van Nuys Division conveyed to event organizers that all vehicle code violations and local city codes remained enforceable. They emphasized that night street events necessitate approved event permits from the city.
As per L.A. city code, cruising is defined as “the driving of a motor vehicle two or more times within a six-hour period, in a particular direction.”
Padilla’s motion acknowledges that cruising is deeply rooted in many multicultural communities, serving as a form of artistic expression notably popularized by Chicano/Latino communities and vehicle enthusiasts at large. The motion contends that the misalignment between the state’s messaging and the LAPD’s interpretation has led to unnecessary inconveniences in local communities.
If sanctioned by the council, the city attorney, in collaboration with LAPD officials and the Department of Transportation, would be tasked with providing a report on how the city’s codes can be harmonized with the state law on cruising.
Furthermore, Padilla’s proposal advocates for an educational component to inform residents about any requisite city procedures, such as permits or noise regulations, that may apply to cruisers and cruising events.