Is lowrider hopping illegal?

It depends on where and how it’s done. Lowrider “hopping” is generally unlawful on public roads because it can be treated as reckless or stunt driving and as an unlawful “exhibition,” but it is typically allowed at permitted events, on private property with permission, or on closed courses. In California, statewide cruising bans were repealed in 2024, but that change did not legalize street hopping in traffic.

What “hopping” means and why laws care

Lowrider hopping uses hydraulic or air-suspension systems to bounce a vehicle so its wheels lift off the ground, often as a competitive display. While culturally significant and popular at shows, hopping can present safety risks in open traffic: loss of control, blocked lanes, flying parts, tire blowouts, and crowd hazards. Because of those risks—and the noise and crowds such displays can attract—police often treat street hopping as a public safety and nuisance issue, even if the vehicle’s suspension itself is legal.

Where hopping is typically illegal

In many jurisdictions, there’s no statute that says “no hopping,” but officers can cite a mix of laws that apply to the conduct. The following situations commonly lead to tickets, towing, or arrests.

• On open public roads or intersections, especially when the car is in traffic or not fully stopped
• As part of street “sideshows,” takeovers, or pop-up gatherings that obstruct traffic
• When it blocks lanes, impedes emergency access, or creates a hazard to bystanders
• If it causes loss of traction or control interpreted as stunt, speed exhibition, or reckless driving
• When amplified sound, revving, or horn use violates local noise ordinances or time-of-day rules
• If equipment, lighting, bumper height, or plate visibility rules are violated in the process

Practically, that means officers often stack violations—such as reckless or stunt driving, unlawful exhibition, noise, and obstruction—and may impound vehicles when street gatherings turn chaotic or unsafe.

Where and when hopping is generally allowed

Hopping is widely accepted when held in controlled environments that manage risk and comply with local codes. These are the settings most likely to be legal.

• Permitted car shows or festivals with designated hopping competitions and safety barriers
• Private property (for example, a rented lot) with the owner’s explicit permission and adherence to city noise and occupancy rules
• Closed-course exhibitions with insurance, crowd control, and a city permit when required

Organizers usually coordinate with the city and police, post safety marshals and barriers, and carry insurance—steps that turn a potential violation on the street into a legitimate, permitted event.

California: cruising legalized, unsafe hopping isn’t

Effective January 1, 2024, California repealed statewide authority for local “no cruising” ordinances and scrapped an old vehicle-height restriction as part of AB 436. That move legalized cruising culture and allowed low vehicles, but it did not authorize hopping in traffic. Police can still cite hopping on public roads under existing laws against reckless driving, unlawful exhibition of speed, stunt driving, obstruction, and noise violations. Many cities also run anti-sideshow enforcement that targets the same behaviors linked to street hopping. Bottom line: cruising is legal statewide; unsafe stunts in traffic are not.

Other U.S. states and cities

Outside California, most states don’t mention “hopping” by name. Instead, they enforce broadly worded statutes—reckless or careless driving, unlawful exhibition of speed/acceleration, stunt driving, and street-sideshow prohibitions. States and cities including Arizona, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, and Texas have recently strengthened laws and penalties for street stunts and takeovers. Local ordinances on noise, blocking the roadway, and public nuisance also commonly apply. Equipment rules (like bumper height, lighting, and plate visibility) vary by state and can be enforced if the setup or display violates them.

Practical tips to stay legal and safe

If you want to hop without legal trouble, plan for safety and compliance. The steps below reflect what authorities and insurers typically expect.

1. Choose private or closed venues with clear permission or a city permit.
2. Work with event organizers who provide barriers, spotters, and medical plans.
3. Keep hopping stationary and away from live traffic; do not hop while rolling in lanes.
4. Secure batteries, lines, and hydraulic components; use rated parts and frequent inspections.
5. Mind noise windows and local decibel rules; keep music and compressors in check.
6. Carry event insurance and verify that your auto policy covers modifications and exhibitions.
7. Confirm local codes in advance and, if possible, coordinate with your local police liaison.

These measures reduce risk, improve community relations, and make it far more likely your display is lawful and welcomed.

Penalties you could face

Street hopping that’s treated as stunt or reckless driving can bring more than a fix-it ticket. Here’s what’s commonly at stake.

• Traffic citations for reckless or stunt driving and unlawful exhibition
• Vehicle impoundment, especially tied to sideshow enforcement
• Fines, points, and possible license suspension depending on the jurisdiction
• Criminal charges in cases involving injuries, property damage, or organized takeovers
• Civil liability for injuries or damage to bystanders or property

Consequences escalate quickly if the activity draws a crowd, blocks traffic, or results in an accident.

Summary

Lowrider hopping isn’t automatically illegal, but doing it on public streets is often cited as reckless or stunt driving and can lead to fines, impound, or worse. It’s generally legal at permitted shows, on private property with permission, or on closed courses. California’s 2024 change legalized cruising and lifted a height ban, but it did not legalize street hopping in traffic. Check your local laws, use controlled venues, and prioritize safety. This article provides general information, not legal advice.

Why is lowriding illegal?

Lowriders were “banned” due to discriminatory laws that prohibited modifying cars to have their frames lower than the wheel rims, as well as anti-cruising ordinances, which stemmed from stereotypes linking the culture to gangs and crime. The laws were enacted in California, starting with the Vehicle Code in 1958 and followed by anti-cruising ordinances in the 1980s, which created public nuisances and traffic problems. However, these bans were largely reversed in California by the end of 2023, ending 40 years of restrictions. 
Key Reasons for the Bans

• Discriminatory Laws: Opens in new tabThe initial ban in California, enacted in 1958, directly targeted the modifying of vehicles to lower their frames, which is central to lowrider design. 
• Stereotypes and Associations with Gangs: Opens in new tabLowriding culture, which began among Mexican-American communities, was associated with gang activity and drug dealing in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to laws aimed at controlling the streets. 
• Public Nuisance: Opens in new tabAnti-cruising ordinances were implemented to address traffic congestion, noise complaints, and the general disruption caused by the low-speed cruising of lowrider cars. 

The Shift to Ending the Bans

• Ending a “Discriminatory” Practice: Opens in new tabCommunity members and advocates fought to end these laws, which they viewed as discriminatory and targeting Chicano culture. 
• AB 436 and the End of the Cruising Ban: Opens in new tabIn October 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 436, officially ending the state’s long-standing ban on lowrider cruising and prohibiting local governments from enacting their own anti-cruising ordinances. 
• Lowriding as a Cultural Expression: Opens in new tabThe lifting of these bans allowed the lowrider community to freely celebrate and express their culture without the fear of prosecution. 

Is it illegal to have hydraulics?

No, hydraulics themselves are not illegal, but their use in vehicles is regulated, and illegal operation can result in tickets, fines, or even vehicle impoundment. Laws often prohibit operating the hydraulic system while the vehicle is in motion, or if it causes the vehicle to be unsafe. Vehicle height, modifications, and the operation of the hydraulics are subject to local and state regulations, such as those governing ride height and ground clearance.
 
Laws and Regulations

• Vehicle Height Limits: Many states and local jurisdictions have laws that regulate vehicle ride height. If a hydraulic system lowers a vehicle below a certain point or raises it to an unsafe level, it can be deemed illegal. 
• Operational Restrictions: Most jurisdictions prohibit the use of hydraulic lift systems while a vehicle is in motion or traveling above certain speeds. 
• Safety Concerns: Hydraulic systems that make a car unsafe, such as causing it to scrape on the ground or operate on three tires, are illegal. 
• Cruising Laws (California): In California, a recent law (Assembly Bill 436) repealed the state’s ban on lowrider cruising. This allows drivers to parade their modified cars, including those with hydraulic systems, on public roads. 

How to Ensure Legal Operation

• Check Local and State Laws: Before installing or operating hydraulics, you must verify the laws in your specific city and state. 
• Maintain Safe Operation: Ensure the system is used in a way that does not compromise safety, such as keeping the vehicle within safe operating height limits while driving. 
• Avoid Unsafe Conditions: Do not operate hydraulics in a way that makes the vehicle unsafe, creates a hazard for other drivers, or violates vehicle code regulations. 

Are bouncing lowriders illegal?

Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 436 in October, prohibiting lowrider bans and anti-cruising ordinances across California — making it OK for car fanatics to enjoy a stroll on their decked-out vehicles. “Cruising is our lifestyle, it’s our culture, it’s our life, it’s our livelihood,” one lowrider enthusiast said.

Are lowrider street legal?

Authored by California Assemblymember David Alvarez and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom back in October 2023 — Assembly Bill 436, prohibits lowrider bans and anti-cruising ordinances across the state. It has now taken into effect this 2024.