Council Targets Street Takeovers with Tougher Laws

Nov 26, 2024

Ward 8 Councilman Mike Polensek is pleased to announce the recent passage of enhanced regulations by Cleveland City Council aimed at stopping the “street takeovers” that plagued numerous neighborhoods in the city over the summer and fall. 

"Make Cleveland safe again" should be our motto now and going into next year,” Councilman Polensek said. "As chairman of the Safety Committee, we are going to spend a great deal of time working diligently with the Department of Public Safety, the Police Chief and other agencies to take back the streets from the criminals, who seem to think anything goes in Cleveland.”

Councilman Polensek, along with Co-sponsors, Council President Blaine A. Griffin and Councilman Kerry McCormack sponsored the legislation that amended the city’s street racing laws. Actions taken at these recent “street takeovers” including blocking intersections, burnouts, doughnuts, wheelies, drifting (a sideways skid), and stunt driving are now all prohibited.

The new legislation also makes vehicle components subject to seizure and forfeiture, including but not limited to steering wheels, wheels, tires, mufflers, or any part of the vehicle or component that was adapted for use in street takeovers, stunt driving and racing. Drivers and other participants can be charged with a 1st degree misdemeanor which could result in a $1,000 fine, 6 months in jail and a 30-day suspension of their driver’s license.

Councilman Polensek spoke at last evening’s Council Meeting on the issue, noting that individuals recently arrested for participating in the takeovers had come into Cleveland from all over the state. “We have to teach them that criminal activity in Cleveland will be dealt with swiftly. I can’t wait until CPD informs vehicle owners to come get their cars, but the tires or the steering wheels have been seized by the City.”

For additional information, Councilman Polensek may be reached at the office at (216) 664-4236.