Kansas City Cracks Down on Illegal Street Racing with New Law
Kansas City is making headlines with a recent decision that stands to shake things up on its streets. On Thursday, the city council passed a new law aimed at putting the brakes on illegal street racing and what are known as “sideshows”—those flashy automotive stunts that have become a growing concern in the community. The law passed unanimously, but not without some lingering concerns among council members about potential unintended consequences.
What’s New in the Law?
So, what exactly does this new law do? For starters, it raises the stakes for anyone caught participating in these hazardous street events. The maximum fines for offenders have increased significantly. A first offense will now cost you $250, while a second can put a dent in your wallet at $500. If you happen to be a repeat offender, you could be shelling out up to $1,000 for your third violation and beyond. Just a year ago, those fines were lower—$150, $300, and $500 respectively.
But it’s not just the drivers who are feeling the heat. Spectators are also in the crosshairs, with fines remaining at $100 under the new law. However, the legislation allows police to tow spectator vehicles as well, should they suspect someone is involved in any capacity at a sideshow. This aspect of the law raises eyebrows among some council members.
Concerns About Misguided Enforcement
Third District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson expressed her worries that the law may inadvertently target innocent bystanders. “Anyone within 200 feet of these events could be seen as a participant or spectator,” Robinson noted. She and other council members fear that people simply passing by could face harsh penalties for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Councilman Johnathan Duncan added to these concerns, emphasizing that the law’s vague definitions could empower law enforcement with too much authority. “My worry is, how will this ordinance implicate people, and what discretion will KCPD be using?” he questioned. Duncan has heard from residents in neighborhoods like Brookside and Waldo, who reported being stopped by police simply because they were near a sideshow.
A Growing Problem
The problem of street racing and sideshows has escalated in recent years. City officials have tried various approaches to curb this trend, including road modifications, public awareness campaigns, and police enforcement. Just this past weekend, the Kansas City Police Department announced a crackdown that resulted in two arrests, six towed vehicles, and 57 citations—including some for spectators. This sort of enforcement is believed to play a crucial role in maintaining public safety.
Officer Alayna Gonzalez from KCPD supports the newly passed ordinance but acknowledges the need for careful implementation. “Harsher penalties may be what’s needed,” she said, adding that time will tell if the city has struck the right balance in its approach to these incidents.
What’s Next?
Despite concerns, the consensus among many city officials is that action needs to be taken. Councilwoman Robinson shared her own frustrating experiences dealing with sideshows in her neighborhood, acknowledging the severe danger they pose to pedestrians and residents alike. She views the new ordinance as a step in the right direction, even though it may not be perfect.
The newly defined term “sideshow” refers to an “unsanctioned demonstration of automotive stunts which obstructs the orderly flow of traffic,” and it was sponsored by Kansas City’s mayor and various council members. While there’s hope that this stricter enforcement will serve as a deterrent to reckless behavior, council members remain focused on ensuring that innocent individuals are not caught in the crossfire of harsh penalties.
As Kansas City moves forward with this new approach, the community will be keeping a watchful eye. Will this law tackle the troublesome sideshows that have plagued the streets, or will it create more problems than it solves? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—Kansans are ready for a safer streetscape.
