Council Introduces Legislation to Toughen Street Racing Laws to Include Street Takeovers

Oct 07, 2024

Council is introducing legislation tonight that would amend the city’s street racing laws (433.07) to prohibit additional actions and behaviors.

The new prohibitions include actions taken at these recent "street takeovers" including blocking intersections, burnouts, doughnuts, wheelies, drifting (a sideways skid), and stunt driving will be added to the list of prohibited actions. Stunt driving usually entails performing or engaging in burnouts, doughnuts, drifting, or wheelies, or allowing a passenger to ride either partially or fully outside of the vehicle while operating that vehicle.

“We need to get the attention of these street outlaws, who think this is the wild, wild west and they can do anything they like on our Cleveland roads and parking lots,” said Ward 8 Councilman Mike Polensek, a sponsor of the new, tougher legislation. Councilman Kerry McCormack (Ward 3) is also a co-sponsor of the legislation.

The new legislation would also make "vehicle components" subject to seizure and forfeiture, including but not limited to steering wheels, wheels and tires and mufflers, or any part of the vehicle or component that was adapted for use in street takeovers, stunt driving or racing.

“This behavior is unacceptable and has put our citizens, visitors and businesses at risk,” said Council President Blaine A. Griffin. “The morale of the city has been shaken. We want action and that’s why we’re are taking this important step. We have to hold people accountable.”

The new ordinance (1080-2024) will conform to changes in state law, which becomes effective Oct. 24, 2024; the penalty for violation has not been changed from the current city code and is the same as state law: a 1st degree misdemeanor and at least a 30 day suspension of the driver’s license as well as the same penalty for anyone who assists them.