- Miami is introducing tough new law to tackle street takeovers starting next month.
- Drivers involved in a takeover involving 10 or more cars can be charged with a felony and fined up to $4,000.
- Takeover spectators face $400 fines under rules coming into force July 1.
Miami is the latest city determined to clamp down on street takeovers. New laws coming into force next week give police there the power to charge drivers with felony offences, confiscate cars and apply large fines.
From July 1 any driver participating in a street takeover involving 10 or more cars will be charged with a felony and fined between $2,500 and $4,0000. Cops also have the authority to seize a vehicle in any case involving felony charges and revoke a driver’s license for two years.
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And anyone who obstructs a police or fire vehicle responding to an emergency while racing or being involved in a takeover will also be charged with a felony, and could have their license revoked for four years for a second violation.
Miami natives might also want to think twice about lending their cars to friends because the new laws enable cops to impound vehicles used in misdemeanor violations regardless of whether or not the person arrested is the registered owner.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that merely watching some drifty takeover action, rather than driving in it will keep you out of the back of a cop car, either. The penalties are certainly less severe but spectators can be charged with non-criminal traffic offences and fined $400.
The Miami-Dade Police Department revealed the new rules on its Instagram account, claiming that the safety of its residents and visitors was its top priority.
“Street Takeovers are not only illegal, but a danger to our community, MDPD wrote. “We will have a zero tolerance approach to this reckless behavior and disregard for public safety! We will continue to find those responsible and arrest those involved.”
Earlier this year Birmingham, AL, began its own program to tackle takeovers, code-named Operation Knight Rider, which has already resulted in dozens of arrests and the seizure of cars, drugs, stolen property and firearms.