CHP Impounds 14 Vehicles Linked to Bay Bridge Holiday Sideshow

Vehicles will be impounded for 30 days as part of CHP's investigation into the December incident.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:06am by Ben Kaplan

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The California Highway Patrol has impounded 14 vehicles connected to a sideshow that occurred on the Bay Bridge two days after Christmas. A San Francisco Superior Court judge issued an order allowing CHP to seize up to 16 vehicles involved in or aiding the illegal stunt-driving activity that blocked westbound lanes of the bridge.

Why it matters

Sideshows on major Bay Area bridges and highways have become an ongoing issue, posing serious risks to public safety. CHP's impounding of these vehicles is part of their efforts to crack down on this dangerous behavior and hold participants accountable.

The details

CHP responded to the westbound Bay Bridge on December 27 after receiving 9-1-1 calls about the sideshow, which included pedestrians in traffic lanes, fireworks, and reckless driving that blocked all westbound lanes. Several people were cited and one man was arrested at the scene. CHP's investigation led a judge to issue a court order allowing them to seize up to 16 vehicles across Northern California that were involved or aided the illegal activity.

  • The sideshow incident occurred on December 27, 2025.
  • CHP impounded the 14 vehicles on March 16, 2026.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling California's highways and investigating incidents like the Bay Bridge sideshow.

San Francisco Superior Court

The court that issued the order allowing CHP to seize vehicles connected to the sideshow incident.

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What they’re saying

“Sideshows endanger everyone on the roadway. Seizing these vehicles is part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge safe for the traveling public.”

— Captain Tim McCallister, CHP San Francisco Office (KTVU)

What’s next

CHP will hold the impounded vehicles for 30 days as part of their investigation into the December sideshow incident.

The takeaway

CHP's impounding of vehicles linked to the Bay Bridge sideshow demonstrates their determination to crack down on this dangerous and illegal activity that puts lives at risk. The seizure of these vehicles sends a strong message that there will be serious consequences for participating in sideshows on Bay Area highways.