Police Seize 72 Enthusiast Vehicles for Driving in the Famous LA River

      Screenshot

      CBS Los Angeles

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      In a situation that illustrates how “Instagram spoils everything,” a large group of modified cars and some motorcycles were towed for driving in the LA river this week. Footage from a news helicopter resembles a scene from Midnight Club 2.

      Even if you haven’t visited California, you likely recognize this location from films and video games—the iconic concrete half-pipe has served as a backdrop for unsanctioned automotive antics since the days when John Travolta was dancing on car hoods.

      “The rules are, there ain't no rules!” - Grease

      Aside from Grease, this site (or at least a version of it) appears in Gone in 60 Seconds, Midnight Club, and Grand Theft Auto V.

      To my knowledge, it has never been legal to drive there, but it has historically been easy to access. As recently as 2021, when I was still in Culver City, there was a well-known entry point where you could enter the river, snap a few photos, and then get out of there before attracting attention. Not that I would partake in such activities.

      The excuse surrounding this gathering, which is now making news, was a social media-organized “massive photoshoot,” not a street race or takeover, according to individuals interviewed by local news cameras while their cars were being towed.

      The conspiracy theorist in me ponders whether this entire event was secretly orchestrated by the police to stage a dramatic bust and generate significant revenue from car impounds. However, it’s also plausible that a large group of over 70 brightly colored cars was inadvertently spotted by a passing helicopter and couldn’t be overlooked.

      I do feel sympathy for the drivers who now face hefty fees and legal issues, but come on, folks. The prevailing sentiment from those interviewed seems to be “we didn’t realize it was illegal to be down there," and "the no-trespassing sign was small.” Sure, everyone in LA has seen photos of acquaintances posing down there with their vehicles—sneaking down for a pic in the past was comparable to going just over the speed limit. It’s technically wrong, but largely tolerated by society.

      However, arriving with a congested lineup of loud vehicles? That’s truly asking for trouble in a very literal way.

      It seems very likely that this old spot will soon be blocked off. While a better solution would be to install a toll booth, the city could potentially profit by charging people for the opportunity to take pictures of their cars in that rather unpleasant river.

      Here’s the footage from the scene:

      Dozens of sports cars towed from LA River in Cypress Park

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