City officials met this morning to outline proposed changes to Lincoln’s municipal code designed to crackdown on street racing and other forms of dangerous driving.
A public hearing by the City Council regarding the changes is scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, March 24. Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird threw her support behind the measure Thursday during a news conference, flanked by City Councilmembers Tom Beckius and Sändra Washington, as well as Lincoln Police Chief Michon Morrow and LPD Captain Max Hubka.
“I fully support this proposal because it gives our police officers a greater ability to hold reckless drivers accountable and keep them – and their vehicles – off the road. That means safer streets, safer neighborhoods, and a better quality of life for everyone in our community,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said.
According to Beckius, LPD data shows that since 2020, dangerous driving activities have contributed to more than 700 nighttime crashes, over 800 injury crashes, and six fatalities on “O” Street.
“Dangerous driving causes not only physical harm but also secondary issues like noise disturbances, trespassing, vandalism, thefts, and assaults,” Beckius said. “This ordinance will help convey a clear message that Lincoln’s roadways are not to be used for dangerous driving activities. Public safety continues to be job number one for us as city leaders.”
He said the changes provide law enforcement with updates that are better understood, more enforceable and offer additional options for removing dangerous drivers and their vehicles from the road.
Definition Updates:
The term “racing” would replace “speed contests” and its definition would be updated to be more comprehensive. Racing would be prohibited in the following locations:
- Any street or highway within the city limits
- Any public or private parking lot open to public use
- Any park, cemetery, grounds, or other similar public or private property open to public use
All operation of race tracks would be prohibited unless specifically approved as a special permitted use in specific zoning. Those convicted of racing in prohibited areas would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in Lancaster County jail.
Code changes would also include the addition of a new section called “Suppression of Nuisances; Disorderly Vehicles.” A disorderly vehicle would be defined as any motor vehicle where unlawful or illegal acts are committed, such as racing or reckless driving.
Drivers of disorderly vehicles cited for racing, illegal racetracks, reckless or willful reckless driving, or fleeing to avoid arrest could have their vehicles subject to immediate impoundment. Police officers would have discretion on impounding a vehicle depending on the specific circumstances.
Disorderly vehicles impounded for a first offense would be towed to the City’s contracted lot, Capitol Towing (101 Charleston St.), where it could be immediately released to the registered owner of the vehicle. Those cited for a second and subsequent offenses would have the vehicle impounded and released to the registered owner after a mandatory 10 days.