Once harassed by police, lowriders can cruise across California under a new law [View all]

Source: NPR

Once harassed by police, lowriders can cruise across California under a new law

October 17, 2023 7:01 PM ET
By Joe Hernandez

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law on Friday that lifts the restrictions on lowrider cruising, a cultural and artistic tradition developed by Latinos living in the Golden State.

Assemblymember David Alvarez, who sponsored the legislation, called it a "major win" for Californians.

"On behalf of the thousands of advocates who supported this culturally significant legislation, the low rider communities and car clubs from all over California, I would like to thank the Governor for signing AB 436 into law," Alvarez said in a tweet.

Lowrider culture was developed by Mexican Americans in and around Southern California after World War II. Enthusiasts modified cars to ride lower to the ground and gave them elaborate, colorful paint jobs. Groups of lowriders would drive their vehicles "low and slow" through town, a pastime known as cruising.

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Read more: https://www.npr.org/2023/10/17/1206625366/lowrider-cruising-california-end-ban