Chasing someone with a car can have serious consequences.
Car chases look dramatic in the movies, but in real life, they can lead to serious legal trouble — especially in California. What starts as a split second reaction out of anger, fear or frustration can quickly become a criminal offence. Whether you’re trying to catch someone who cut you off or chase down a driver who hit your car, using your car to chase someone else puts everyone on the road.
California has strict laws that define and punish reckless driving, illegal pursuits and dangerous behavior behind the wheel. Understanding these laws can help you stay safe, avoid serious penalties, and what to do if you ever find yourself in a high-stress driving situation.
Laws related to vehicle pursuits and reckless driving in California
In California, driving recklessly for the safety of others is defined as “intentional or wanton driving” under California Vehicle Code §23103. It means choosing to drive dangerously, even though it might hurt someone. Even if no one is injured, you can still be charged with misdemeanor driving, which carries fines and possible jail time.
Dangerous driving includes:
- Speed
- Red lights are running
- Created by traffic
It is also illegal to pursue or attempt to elude law enforcement. According to Vehicle Code §§2800.1-2800.4, anyone who knowingly attempts to elude local law enforcement in a vehicle faces felony charges. If the chase causes injury or involves reckless driving, it can become a crime with very severe consequences.
A person chasing someone with a car can also face legal trouble. If you use your vehicle to block, follow, or intimidate someone, it may be considered assault with a deadly weapon under Penal Code §245(a)(1). A car can be considered a weapon when used recklessly.
When does a California car chase become a felony?
A car chase in California can escalate from a moment of frustration into a serious criminal offense — especially when the pursuit becomes dangerous, damages property, or endangers other drivers and pedestrians.
Although high-speed chases are often depicted in action-packed movies, in real life, they carry serious legal consequences, especially when driven by anger, revenge or reckless behavior.
What turns a car chase into a criminal offense?
A car chase becomes illegal when it:
- endangers other road users or pedestrians;
- Causing collisions, injuries, or property damage
- Involves reckless, aggressive, or unauthorized actions
Some real-world examples include:
- Another driver’s anger, spite, or retaliatory chase
- Confronting or blocking a vehicle to force interaction
- Driving dangerously fast, weaving through traffic, or disregarding traffic laws
These actions aren’t just reckless — they can be criminal.
Possible criminal charges from car chase in California
Depending on the severity of the chase and whether someone was injured or endangered, prosecutors can file a number of charges, such as:
- Reckless drivinga Driving a vehicle dangerously, often at high speed or by mistake
- Assault with a deadly weaponIf the vehicle is used to intimidate, harm or threaten
- false imprisonmenttring To trap, corner, or detain someone using a vehicle
- Attempted vehicular manslaughterIf the stalking involves a deliberate attempt to harm or kill another person
The difference between a police pursuit and a civilian car chase in California
In California, the distinction between a police chase and a civilian car chase is important, both ethically and in terms of public safety.
What is a police chase?
Only trained law enforcement officers are legally authorized to engage in high-speed pursuits. Police chases are governed by strict protocols designed to balance speed and safety. Officers operate patrol vehicles or even helicopters and are trained to respond tactically, often using tools such as spike strips or integrated roadblocks to intercept fleeing suspects. These official pursuits are carried out quickly but with calculated caution to minimize risk to bystanders, property and traffic.
Why civilian car chases are dangerous and illegal
In contrast, citizens have no legal authority to initiate or participate in a vehicle pursuit. Chasing someone on your own — no matter how recklessly they’re driving or how serious the crime may seem — can lead to serious criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and possible injuries or deaths. Overworking in such scenarios often does more harm than good.
Even if you believe the driver caused the accident or committed a crime, it is dangerous, illegal, and often reckless to try to intervene. Civilian involvement can quickly escalate situations, increasing the potential for chaotic confrontations or property damage.
Correct way to answer
If you see someone driving dangerously, the safest and most responsible action is to call 911 immediately. Provide correct vehicle details like make, model, color and license plate number. This allows trained officers to initiate a coordinated pursuit, ensuring that the situation is handled efficiently and safely.
Always drive responsibly, and let law enforcement professionals take control. Avoid aggressive actions, and focus on your safety and the safety of others on the road. Remember, your quick thinking and calm reporting can play an important role. Without putting your life or anyone else’s at risk.
Think twice before giving chase
In short. In California, chasing someone with a car is never worth the risk. Chasing someone with a car can have serious consequences. Even if your intentions are good, a moment of poor judgment can lead to accidents, injuries, or legal trouble that lasts far longer than the chase itself. It is always safer to let law enforcement handle the chase, as they are trained and legally authorized to do so.
In California, taking justice into your own hands can turn you from a witness to a defendant.
