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Committee backs proposal to raise maximum sideshow fine to $1,000, ACLU urges alternatives
Summary
The committee voted 3–0 to forward an ordinance that would raise the maximum misdemeanor fine for vehicle sideshows from $500 to $1,000. Supporters called it a modest, discretionary tool; the ACLU submitted written opposition and urged investment in prevention and infrastructure interventions instead of higher fines.
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee voted Thursday to send an ordinance to the full Board that would amend the police code to raise the maximum fine for misdemeanor sideshow offenses from $500 to $1,000.
Supervisor Danny Sauter, who introduced the ordinance, described the change as a modest update to align San Francisco with other Bay Area jurisdictions and said the increase is a discretionary maximum that leaves judges with sentencing discretion. He framed the measure as one of several strategies — along with targeted enforcement and infrastructure changes by MTA and DPW — needed to curb dangerous vehicle sideshow activity.
Yoel Haile, director of the Criminal Law and Immigration Project at the ACLU of Northern California, provided public comment opposing the measure. "While we agree that sideshows can be disruptive and dangerous, increased fines...have not meaningfully reduced the frequency of sideshows or the number of spectators," he said, warning that higher fines disproportionately burden low‑income residents and can sweep up bystanders. He urged the committee to prioritize environmental and community‑based prevention strategies, citing Oakland’s experience where fines rose yet incidents did not decline.
Supervisor Sauter said the ordinance is one tool among many, pointed to existing enforcement and infrastructure efforts, and moved to forward the item with a positive recommendation. The committee voted aye, 3–0. The full Board will consider the ordinance in its legislative review process.
