County Council approves bill to crack down on illegal street takeovers
County officials said the incidents have increased in Montgomery County, posing safety risks to residents, bystanders and law enforcement officers.
The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday approved legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal street takeovers and unlawful road racing, giving police additional tools to intervene in the dangerous gatherings.
Bill 27-26 targets illegal street racing and stunt driving that block public roads.
County officials said the incidents have increased in Montgomery County, posing safety risks to residents, bystanders and law enforcement officers.
“Residents deserve to feel safe on our roads and in their neighborhoods,” Councilmember Andrew Friedson said.
Friedson is the lead sponsor of the bill.
He said the legislation would provide police with the authority to intervene earlier and disrupt coordinated events.
The bill gives local police expanded civil enforcement powers, such as issuing fines, handing out civil citations, and impounding vehicles, while establishing clear legal definitions for what counts as organizing or facilitating a street takeover.
Acting Police Chief Darren Francke said the events have been associated with stolen vehicles, assaults and property damage.
“This legislation takes action before a greater tragedy is realized in our community,” Francke said, adding “We appreciate having additional tools at our disposal to help make our communities and roadways safe.”
The legislation prohibits coordinating, promoting or knowingly facilitating street takeovers. It establishes a civil enforcement framework designed to reinforce existing state traffic and criminal laws and promote consistent enforcement throughout the county.
The council’s approval is part of local efforts to address dangerous driving and improve road safety.
Details about the bill’s effective date and implementation were not included in the announcement.
