Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson introduced legislation today that would expand enforcement tools available to the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) to better prevent, deter, and safely disengage dangerous “street takeover” events occurring on County roads. The bill was co-sponsored by Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, Public Safety Committee Chair Sidney Katz, and Councilmember Dawn Luedtke.
Street takeovers are large, unauthorized gatherings where participants block public roadways to drag race and conduct reckless driving stunts. They have increased in frequency across the region, creating significant public safety risks for residents, bystanders, and officers.
“Residents deserve to feel safe on our roads and in their neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Friedson. “This bill gives law enforcement the clarity and authority needed to intervene earlier, disrupt these coordinated events, and keep people out of harm’s way. Street takeovers endanger everyone involved, drivers, spectators, and our officers, and we must ensure MCPD has strong, modern tools to address this growing threat.”
Advertisement
The legislation, Bill 27-26, Motor Vehicles and Traffic – Unlawful Racing and Street Takeovers Prohibited, would provide MCPD with enhanced civil enforcement authority and define the prohibited conduct associated with organizing, facilitating, or participating in a street takeover. The bill would also authorize additional penalties for violations and allow law enforcement to take action in response to takeovers.
“Street takeovers are both dangerous and illegal. These events put lives at risk and disrupt our communities. We appreciate efforts to address this growing public safety concern and remain committed to working with our partners to keep Montgomery County residents and visitors safe,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada.
“I support the pending legislation regarding dangerous street takeovers and unlawful racing,” said State’s Attorney John McCarthy. “The organized street takeover events place the lives and property of everyone in Montgomery County at risk. We are grateful to Councilmember Andrew Friedson for championing this effort. We are working with his office, along with Montgomery County Police and the County Executive’s Office, to ensure we have a meaningful mechanism in place to appropriately charge and prosecute anyone involved in this criminal activity.”
Under the bill, prohibited activities would include coordinating or promoting a takeover, blocking a roadway for the purpose of conducting stunts, participating in high-risk driving maneuvers, or knowingly aiding in the staging of a takeover event. The legislation also creates a civil framework that complements existing state traffic and criminal laws to ensure consistent enforcement across the County.
Advertisement
The bill was formally introduced on June 16. A public hearing is scheduled for July 14 at 1:30 p.m.
# # #
Read the original article at mccouncil