It might seem surprising, but something as simple as squealing your tires can land you in legal trouble in California. Whether you’re showing off to friends or just accelerating too quickly, the act of squealing tires falls under California’s exhibition of speed law, and the consequences can be more serious than you think.

Let’s break down what the law says about this offense, the potential penalties, and why it’s important to take such charges seriously.

What Is “Exhibition of Speed” Under California Law?

In California, Vehicle Code 23109(c) defines the crime of exhibition of speed as accelerating or driving at an unsafe speed with the intent to show off or impress others. This means that you can be charged even if you weren’t technically speeding—if an officer deems your driving unsafe or done to “show off,” you could be facing legal consequences.

Common behaviors that could result in an exhibition of speed charge include:

• Revving your engine loudly before taking off
• Rapidly accelerating in a crowded area
• Squealing your tires while leaving a stoplight

While these actions may seem minor, California law treats them as unsafe driving practices, especially when done in a public space or around other vehicles.

How Can Squealing Your Tires Lead to a Criminal Charge?

The key factor in an exhibition of speed charge is intent. It’s not just about how fast you were driving; it’s about whether you were driving recklessly or trying to show off. For instance, squealing your tires as you accelerate at a stoplight might seem harmless, but an officer could interpret it as reckless behavior meant to impress others.

Even if you weren’t exceeding the speed limit, squealing your tires could still be considered a violation if it’s done in a way that poses a danger to others or disrupts the peace. If an officer believes your driving was unsafe or showed a disregard for public safety, they can charge you with an exhibition of speed.

What Are the Penalties for Exhibition of Speed?

The penalties for an exhibition of speed charge can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the discretion of the prosecutor. Here are the possible outcomes:

• Infraction:
  In many cases, especially for first-time offenders or minor incidents, prosecutors may opt to charge the offense as an infraction. If this happens, the penalty is typically a fine of up to $250. While this is a less serious consequence, an infraction can still go on your driving record.
• Misdemeanor:
  In more serious cases, an exhibition of speed can be charged as a misdemeanor, which carries heavier penalties. A misdemeanor conviction can lead to:
  • Up to 90 days in county jail
  • Fines up to $1,000
  • Probation
  • Potential points on your driving record, which can lead to higher insurance rates or even a license suspension

The good news is that exhibition of speed is often used as a plea bargain option for more serious charges, such as driving under the influence (DUI). In these cases, agreeing to an exhibition of speed charge instead of a DUI can result in reduced penalties.

Why You Should Take These Charges Seriously

While squealing your tires might seem like a small infraction, it can lead to more serious consequences than you might expect. A misdemeanor conviction, for example, could result in jail time, fines, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. This could impact future employment opportunities, insurance premiums, and your ability to maintain a clean driving record.

If you’ve been charged with exhibition of speed, it’s crucial to take the situation seriously. With the help of an experienced attorney, you may be able to fight the charges, reduce the penalties, or negotiate for a lesser offense, such as an infraction.

Get Legal Help to Protect Your Future

If you find yourself facing charges for squealing your tires or exhibition of speed, contacting an experienced defense attorney is your best option. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we have the expertise to help you navigate the legal system and work toward the best possible outcome in your case. Call (949) 585-9055 today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options. Let us help you protect your driving record and avoid the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction.