Reducing harm by advancing safety, service and the quality of life in Fairfield
Starting Wednesday, October 6, 2021, Fairfield's City ordinance on sideshow spectators will go into effect. Sideshows, which can draw hundreds of people and block off streets in the middle of the night, has posed a problem for communities across the Bay Area. Fairfield has experienced several sideshows in recent years, some resulting in serious injuries.
On September 7th, 2021, Fairfield City Council approved a new misdemeanor ordinance prohibiting spectators at sideshow events. This ordinance is enforceable after October 6th, 2021.
What our community should know:
The new ordinance prohibits knowingly being a spectator at a sideshow, speed contest, or exhibition of speed; or at a place where preparations are being made for sideshow, speed contest, or exhibition of speed.
The ordinance is enforceable on all city roadways, public property, and private property, without the owner’s consent. It applies to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
A violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable by six months in jail or a $1000 fine. It also gives the District Attorney the discretion to prosecute the offense as an infraction.
The ordinance sets a 200-foot distance requirement around the sideshow to be applicable as sometimes innocent motorists can be stuck in the traffic caused by these events. The department’s goal is to apply this ordinance only to those who encourage sideshows and reckless driving.
