The clandestine races in Guatemala They have been a persistent problem, but now they have been exposed to thousands of people thanks to the youtuber “Zazza the Italian”.
In one of his most recent videos, the content creator documented the dangerous practice in a sector close to the city center and the reaction of the National Civil Police (PNC)which has generated debate on social networks.
The video offers a vision of the adrenaline that surrounds these careers, and in turn shows the response of the authorities to address this public security problem.
“There is starting the race, and here is the police,” Zazza warns at the beginning of the video, before boarding one of the modified vehicles to accompany a demonstration trip.
The content highlights the presence of illegal cars, which not only puts the lives of drivers at risk, but also that of passers -by and residents of the area.
“What is the most dangerous moment of the entire video?”add the content description, which adds more than 914 thousand views since its publication the March 9, 2025.
Also read: who is “Don Rigo”, alleged leader of a people traffic required by the US.
In response, users shared various comments that reflect the reality of illegal races, a practice that combines speed and risk in the streets of the country.
“What madness the ships they have in Guatemala”says one of the users by showing astonishment for vehicles that are usually modified to participate in the races.
“I knew it would be a good video. In Guatemala there is level in ships and more were missing. Not everyone knew that Zazza came, but there are more and better, ”describes another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4os3uzht4lk
Clandestine races
Clandestine races are an illegal practice that puts road safety at risk, since participants usually choose sections as highways that are also used by individuals to challenge speed limits.
As can be seen in this video, according to the Youtuberthe vehicles were driven at 200 kilometers per hour, representing a latent danger on the tracks, where they intersected with other cars, even transport such as commercial panels.
Even the Youtuberrestless about the speed and danger of the route, expresses in a moment of the video: “Top Speed (very fast).”
Although practice can generate adrenaline in those who seek to test their skills at the wheel, it represents a risk and is considered a fault, traffic authorities in reaction to the video said.
Brenda Santizo, spokesman for the PNC Transit Department, confirmed that operations against illegal careers increased a 26 % from March 2024 to March this year.
The sanction for participating in a clandestine career is classified as greater amount, according to the Article 185 of the Traffic Law and its Regulations.
On the video, Santizo explained that it was a surprise operation of that department in a sector of the Road to El Salvador he February 19, 2025.
The police deployment was more than 40 agents, and they were imposed Five fines of greater amount of Q25 thousandin addition to others 34 sanctions.
The fines were imposed by the most frequent infractions among the drivers, Santizo said. These are:
- Carry circulation plates in unauthorized places
- Do not submit a driver’s license
- Produce unnecessary sounds or noise, such as those from escapes and speakers
- Driving with defeated license
- Driving without driving license
They map illegal races
According to Santizo, mobile and permanent operations are carried out at key points such as the Atanasio Tzul Calzada, Las Américas Avenue, Los Próceres, Zone 10, the road to El Salvador, Jocotillo, Fraijanes And the surroundings of Handicraft market in zone 13 Capital
Despite being a fault, these races are frequently repeated. Among the municipalities of Guatemala and Mixco occur in at least seven points, including Fraijanes sectors.
This type of illegal activities has also also increased its presence at the departmental level, specifically in Quetzaltenango, San Marcos, Santa Rosa, Jutiapa, Alorate (El Progreso), Chiquimula, Escuintla and in Amatitlán, the Metropolitan Area. The official source reported.
Although the law establishes a fine of Q25 thousand for those who use public roads to carry out similar careers or activities without the corresponding permission (according to the Article 185 of the Traffic regulations), the sanctions are difficult to apply.
Traffic authorities have indicated that fines are only imposed when drivers are surprised In fragantiwhich does not always happen.
Most sanctions focus on alterations to road safety and other infractions. The goal, Santizo said, is to react before the races start or disperse.
Agents of #Transitopnc clandestine races dissolve in Quetzaltenango.
Through a surprise operation, agents of the PNC Transit Department, last night neutralized a group of drivers who were about to hold clandestine races. pic.twitter.com/pcgkvb7ewc
– PCC Traffic (@dtransitopnc) March 14, 2025
‘Zazza’ in Guatemala: another revealing video
This content of Youtuber Zazza the Italian is not the only one that portrays Guatemala.
In another of his videos, he also includes images of an area considered dangerous in the center of the country, known for his high levels of violence and crime.
In the video, the Youtuber It enters this area to show the reality lived by its inhabitants, who describe the Insecurity and violence problems They face daily.
In a review about Zompichiatti, more recognized as Zazza, it is mentioned that the young foreigner usually visits different countries to portray the realities more raw in the world.
Although he studied International Trade at the University of Milan, in a short time he has become a reference as a content creator.
In Perualso participated in a clandestine racing tour. Also, in Barcelona, Spainhe dedicated a video to touring one of his most dangerous neighborhoods, highlighting that in different corners of the world there are places with similar characteristics, even in that European area.