Exhibition of Speed
VC Section 23109(c) states that no person shall engage in any motor vehicle exhibition of speed on a highway. The elements of misdemeanor exhibition of speed are: Driving a motor vehcile on a highway or a public road or street. Driving very fast or accelerating very fast usually causing a screeching of tires. Spectators do not have to be anyone the driver knows. Courts have ruled that sudden acceleration so rapid as to break the traction between a car's tires and the pavement is an exhibition of speed even through the car does not continue at a high speed. Therefore tire screeching as part of demonstrating how fast the car can accelerate or take corners is a violation of this statute. If you are charged with a traffic related offense contact Christine McGuire, the Santa Cruz Criminal Defense Attorney.