A recent Kansas City police crackdown targeting illegal street racing sideshows will soon have legislative support from the Mayor's office.
To wit . . .
KANSAS CITY MAYOR Q SPONSORS ILLEGAL STREET RACING 'SIDESHOW' CRACKDOWN ORDINANCE FEATURING TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR RECKLESS MOTORISTS!!!
The Mayor typically touts "community-based solutions" and council has been fond of "restorative justice" so this "get tough" approach is a bit of a departure from forgiveness for so many vandals and violent rioters during 2020 civil unrest.
A highlight of the effort . . .
Illegal Kansas City sideshow street racers will soon confront a range of penalties reaching up to $500 and 6 months in jail. Moreover, police will soon be able to issue $100 tickets against spectators.
Skeptics might argue that there are too many sideshows to patrol and online organizing can easily thwart police.
Possibly.
But let's talk turkey about this legislation . . .
The KCMO street racing sideshow crackdown ordinance and recent police efforts are mostly focused on pushing reckless drivers out of the downtown loop.
The reality is that there are construction developments & investments WORTH MORE THAN ONE BILLION DOLLARS in this part of town and civic leaders can't risk that kind of EPIC MONEY to coddle stunt drivers who want to claim downtown streets as their own.
The legislation might not end sideshows across KCMO but the smarter drivers and those who advise them should realize that this is nothing less than a DECLARATION OF WAR on street racing sideshows in Downtown Kansas City.
Background on the QT and very hush hush for close readers . . . We've heard local po-po giggling about using their training that includes tactical car ramming maneuvers in order to bring suspect vehicles to a stop.
And so . . . We share this info and insight if only so that Kansas City illicit drivers can't claim that they weren't warned.
Check the legislation that won't likely meeting with much resistance . . .
Amending Chapter 70, Code of Ordinances, by repealing Sections 70-365 and 70-366 relating to street and drag racing and enacting in lieu thereof two new sections of like number and subject and by adding one new Section 70-368 relating to street and drag racing.
WHEREAS, street racing has caused vehicle crashes, deaths and injuries to drivers, passengers, onlookers, or innocent bystanders, and property damage in Kansas City; and
WHEREAS, street racing causes noise disturbances to residences and businesses near the street racing from racing vehicles and crowds; and
WHEREAS, street racing can cause vandalism and litter at racing locations, including businesses where racers commonly gather; and
WHEREAS, street racing can cause a loss of commercial revenue if racing crowds obstruct or intimidate potential customers; and
WHEREAS, street racing will cause excess wear and tear to Kansas City public streets where continual racing occurs, including areas with painted street markings commonly are damaged by the burning rubber of vehicle tires; and
WHEREAS, street racing has caused damage to curbs and bus stops in Kansas City, and to areas maintained by the City, including sidewalk cutaways and grassy areas; and
WHEREAS, public streets are created and maintained by Kansas City for public use and not for individuals to engage in the sport of street racing: NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That Chapter 70 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, is hereby amended by repealing Sections 70-365 and 70-366 relating to street and drag racing and enacting in lieu thereof two new sections of like number and subject, to read as follows:
Sec. 70-365. Racing on streets and highways.
(a) Except as provided elsewhere in this chapter, no person shall drive or otherwise engage in, aid or abet any vehicle on a street or highway in any drag race or speed competition or exhibition of speed or acceleration. No person shall, for the purpose of facilitating or aiding or as an incident to any motor vehicle speed contest or drag race upon any street or highway, in any manner obstruct a street or highway or place any barricade or obstruction upon any street or highway. However, the director may issue a permit for any such race, competition, contest, test or exhibition in accordance with the terms and conditions specifically approved for such event by ordinance by the city council.
(b) Violations of this section shall result in the following:
(1) First violation: Up to a $150.00 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail
(2) Second violation: Up to a $300.00 fine and/or up to 60 days in jail
(3) Third and subsequent violation: Up to a $500.00 fine and/or and up to six months in jail
Sec. 70-366. Spectator or unlawful assembly at drag race or speed competition.
(a) Except as provided elsewhere in this chapter, no person shall knowingly be present as a spectator, either on a public street or highway, or on private property open to the general public without the consent of the owner, operator, or agent thereof, at a drag race or illegal motor vehicle speed competition.
(b) Except as provided elsewhere in this chapter, no person shall be present as a spectator, either on a public street or highway, or on private property without the consent of the owner, operator, or agent thereof, where preparations are being made for a drag race or illegal motor vehicle speed competition
(c) An individual is present at the drag race or illegal motor vehicle speed competition if that individual is within 200 feet of the location of the event, or within 200 feet of the location where preparations are being made for the event.
(d) When two or more persons assemble to witness or participate in a drag race or illegal motor vehicle speed competition such assembly is an unlawful assembly and any person who participates in such unlawful assembly is guilty of an offense.
(e) Exemption: Nothing in this section prohibits law enforcement officers or their agents from being spectators at drag races or speed contests in the course of their official duties.
(f) Violations of this section shall result in up to a $100.00 fine.
Section 2. That Chapter 70 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, is hereby amended by adding one new Section 70-368 relating to street and drag racing, to read as follows:
Sec. 70-368. Vehicles located later-impounded.
(a) If a vehicle involved in racing on streets and highways is identified and located later, that vehicle may be towed, impounded and kept as evidence of an earlier violation of street racing until a determination is made as part of an investigation determining whether a violation of Sec. 70-365 or Sec. 70-366 of this Code has been committed. After that determination, the vehicle shall be returned to the owner.
(b) If the owner of the vehicle claims the vehicle was loaned to another person the car shall remain in impound until the investigation is complete and a determination is made who was driving the car and whether there was a violation of Sec 70-173 or Sec. 70-179 of this Code. After that determination, the vehicle shall be returned to the owner.
(c) If the owner of the vehicle claims the vehicle was stolen, the car shall remain in impound until the stolen vehicle investigation is complete and a determination is made of who was driving the car. After that determination, the vehicle shall be returned to the owner.
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Developing . . .