The City-County Council is considering a proposal to crack down on illegal street racing activity.
Proposal 314, which was introduced during the City-County Council meeting on Sept. 23, seeks to penalize organizers, participants and spectators of illegal street racing, motorcycle stunting or other reckless driving exhibitions.
“We all have a role to play to keep our streets and neighborhoods safe — but the women and men of IMPD are on the frontlines every day, putting their safety on the line to protect all of ours,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a statement. “The violence we have seen over recent weekends toward these public servants is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The proposal defines illegal street racing as “a motor vehicle speed contest using public highways, streets, rights-of-way, public or private driveways, airport runways or off-street parking facility in violation of Indiana motor vehicle and traffic laws, drag racing or racing and/or laying drags.”
Motorcycle stunting is described as “any use of a motorcycle for the purpose of acrobatic maneuvering to perform wheelies, burnouts or front wheelies/stoppies.”
READ MORE: ‘Haiti 2.0’: Haitian influence and culture in Indy
The new ordinance comes in response to an onslaught of illegal street takeovers last week where Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers were attacked and police cruisers were damaged. IMPD officers “proactively towed cars, made arrests, and ended the reckless driving behavior of spinning (street takeovers),” according to a post from IMPD on X.
Last year, FOX59 reported two street racers were arrested and charged after crashing their vehicle into the back of a pregnant woman’s vehicle, totaling it.
If passed, Proposal 314 would allow city officials to impose up to a $250 fine on organizers, promoters, drivers and all other participants. Any vehicles or motorcycles used for illegal street racing, motorcycle stunting or a reckless driving exhibition may be confiscated and impounded by law enforcement for up to 30 days.
An organizer is described as an individual who “knowingly takes part in planning” while a promoter is anyone who “knowingly promotes an exhibition of illegal drag racing.” Both definitions include advertising, sharing the location and exchanging money in coordination with an illegal street race or reckless driving exhibition.
However, a participant includes any individual who is “knowingly present at an illegal street racing or reckless driving exhibition for the purpose of actively taking part in the event,” including riding as a passenger, assisting organizers or drivers and exchanging money with any drivers, car owners, organizers or other participants.
Spectators, which are defined as bystanders or observers of an illegal street activity, could also face up to a $100 fine. “I’m proud to support City-County Council Proposal 314, which gives officers more tools to hold those participating in dangerous ‘street takeovers’ accountable and helps make Indianapolis a safer city for all,” Hogsett said in a statement. “I urge the City-County CoCouncil to swiftly send this proposal to my desk for signature and continue to support our public safety officers.”
To view Proposal 314, visit indy.gov/activity/current-council-proposals.
