(LibertySociety.com) – Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom is making lowriding legal again. Newsom signed the legislation into law on Oct. 13, lifting the 30-year-long ban on cruising and low-riding cars. Historically, Mexican Americans in the 1940s developed a culture of cruising around California in vibrantly painted low-riding cars, some with hydraulics. The low-riding car ban was aimed at cars with a body that sat lower to the ground than the bottom edge of the tire rims. The new law will prohibit cities from imposing bans on cruising or low-riding cars.
Many advocates of the legislation and car enthusiasts viewed the ban as discriminatory. In the past, police would break up cruising events, which were predominately held by Latinos. United Lowrider Coalition in National City president Jovita Arellano was thrilled to hear that Newsom had signed the legislation. “When we found out on Friday, I started to cry because I was so happy,” Arellano said. She added that the fight to repeal the ban has been a long time in the making. Low-rider enthusiasts are excited about the future, especially when it comes to holding events to honor the culture. California Assemblymember David Alvarez sponsored the legislation and applauded its approval. He thanked Governor Newsom in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Despite the new law, which goes into effect on New Year’s Day in 2024, some are worried that California will eventually ban people from driving classic cars. The state has a goal of zero emissions by 2045, and lawmakers in the state have floated the idea of allowing cities to set up zero-emission zones. A survey was sent to classic car owners across the state back in August, asking details about how owners use and store their vehicles. However, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) attempted to set the record straight, claiming that it was a routine survey to allow the Board to update its data.
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