LAWMAKER INTRODUCES BILL TO OVERTURN CRUISING BANS
Assembly Bill 436 follows resolution passed last year
Assemblymember David Alvarez introduced legislation this week that would overturn bans on cruising in California, including in National City.
Since the 1980s, the state vehicle code has allowed local governments to stop drivers from cruising and driving cars that have been modified to be of a certain height.
Assembly Bill 436, which Assemblymember Luz Rivas, D-San Fernando Valley, is co-authoring, proposes to remove those provisions.
Cities adopted no-cruising ordinances to curb traffic congestion and gang violence, but lowrider communities have said the bans are discriminatory and target a culture that celebrates art, cars and community.
“Cruising is a part of culture for many communities throughout our state,” said Alvarez. “It’s a way of expressing ourselves, expressing our love for art and bringing unity in our communities.”
Alvarez, whose 80th District includes South County municipalities, had been drafting the bill since last year. He said he was inspired by Rivas’ Assembly Concurrent Resolution 176, which the Legislature approved in early 2022, which encouraged cities to repeal their bans and embrace the cruising culture.
After lawmakers approved the resolutions, cities like Sacramento and San Jose repealed their no-cruise ordinances.
“(AB 436) celebrates and embraces our art canvas on wheels — low and slow cruising in every city and county in California,” Francine Mata, chairperson of the Sacramento Lowrider Commission, said in a statement.
For lowrider groups in National City, the bill’s introduction is a step in the right direction. Efforts continue to persuade elected officials in the South County community to repeal its 30-year-old cruising ban.
“United Lowrider Coalition’s efforts to repeal the National City no-cruising ordinance is still in the works,” said Jovita Arellano, chairperson of the Coalition. She added that the legislation could “move us up” toward a full repeal.
AB 436 will need hearings before several state committees, which could include public safety and transportation, before being taken up for votes in both Legislative houses.