CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new law enacting tougher penalties for people arrested who take part in so-called "street takeovers" took effect Friday.
Senate Bill 91 gives police across North Carolina the authority to seize vehicles involved in these organized events. Street takeovers are the unauthorized taking over of a part of a highway or street by blocking the flow of traffic to perform stunts, such as burnouts and donuts. Many of the incidents are recorded and later posted to social media, including a few in Uptown.
Street takeovers have become quite a nuisance in the Queen City with Charlotte-Mecklenburg police charging dozens of people for their alleged involvement. As of Oct. 31, CMPD had issued 135 citations, made 29 arrests and towed 94 vehicles tied to them.
A CMPD spokesperson said the department will enforce the new law to its fullest extent.
"Do not come to Charlotte and participate in these activities," Lt. Kevin Pietrus said. "We will arrest you and we will seize your car."
People who violate the new law would be fined around $1,000 and charged with a misdemeanor. Repeat offenders, those who accrue a second offense within 24 months, would face a felony charge and the find would increase to double the value of the car they're driving. Even spectators can be charged with a misdemeanor.
"There are actual state statutes for spontaneous street racing, and in that particular case we charged in that case," CMPD Lt. Christopher Rorie said. "We hope that along with this new statue and the statues we already have, that it will discourage this behavior."
Charlotte City Council at-large member, Dimple Ajmera said street takeovers have been dangerous to communities for years.
"We have heard loud and clear and we have seen data that shows that street takeovers results in tragic death," said Ajmera. "You're talking about reckless driving, you're talking about teenagers, many lives that are being lost to street takeovers... our community deserves better."
She hopes CMPD’s focused approach and harsher penalties will deter reckless drivers.
“We've got to do everything in our power to keep our residents safe in all of our communities, and street takeover has been an issue across the city,” said Ajmera. “This has not been concentrated in one or two areas. And this provides this gives specific authority to CMPD to hold people accountable.”
Contact Richard DeVayne at rdevayne@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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