Santa Maria Drivers Caught in Drag Racing Sting

The Santa Maria Police Department is cracking down on illegal street racing and reckless drivers, a problem they say is gaining traction in the city.

Within the last month, officers received dash cam video of people street racing on Tama Lane in Santa Maria.

The footage shows two vehicles lined up and then speeding off after a woman signals them to go, as well as dark tire marks consistent with what are left from what is commonly known from “doing donuts.”

Friday night, SMPD teamed up with the California Highway Patrol and cited 25 drivers throughout the night.

Two people were cited for driving with a suspended license, several drivers were cited for “exhibitionism” and other activities related to drag racing and seven vehicles were impounded for 30 days.

“They’re lighting up their tires, doing a show for everybody around them which leads to reckless driving,” said Sergeant Mark Streker with the Santa Maria Police Department.

Consequences for street racing include a citation, a $2,000 impound fee and two marks on your driving record.

More operations like this one are planned for the rest of the year thanks to funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.