Seattle (June 18, 2024) – Today, Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison introduced legislation to the Seattle City Council to address the growing incidence of illegal street racing and “street takeover” events in Seattle.
The legislation, which would adopt new state law expanding the definition of street racing to include drifting and street takeover events, also establishes a $500 civil infraction against the registered owner of a vehicle participating in these activities.
“This legislation responds to the recent rise in large street racing takeover events that pose a safety hazard to the public — pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers,” said City Attorney Davison. “The new civil infraction will give police a tool to hold vehicle owners accountable when their cars are used at these events.”
Over the past several years, Seattle has seen an increase in street racing events comprised of large numbers of vehicles and observers. The participants and spectators literally take over city intersections for drifting, “donuts,” and other dangerous driving techniques. In July 2023, a woman was shot at one of these events, and in May 2024, dozens of drivers continued to participate in a takeover, despite police presence and repeated warnings from officers.
In 2023, state legislators adopted a new state law expanding the definition of street racing. That law went into effect on January 1, 2024.
The $500 infraction proposed by City Attorney Davison is an additional measure which is not in state law.
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What they are saying:
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell: “Safety is our highest priority, and we know that street racing and street takeovers are not only illegal but dangerous for our community. This legislation would add a needed tool in our public safety toolkit to help protect residents, make our streets safer, and deter these harmful events. We must take action in the face of these increasing incidents, particularly as a nexus for gun violence, and this new law would be an important step forward.”
Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle: “Street racing endangers everyone. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers are all needlessly and recklessly put in harm’s way. To make matters worse, the people who live near racing hotspots are unable to feel safe in their own homes, terrorized by explosive sounds, unable to sleep or go about their lives. I believe in this new legislation and support it.
This legislation is also an important step to push back on the permissive public safety environment that enables street racing and on other public safety challenges.”