Kentucky representative files bill to make Louisville's street racing ordinance state law

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's crackdown on street racing has reached the Kentucky General Assembly.

State Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton, D-Shively, filed House Bill 465 Wednesday to make Louisville's street racing ordinance a state law.

"Drag racing has gotten significantly worse in Louisville, and it's jeopardizing lives," Chester-Burton said in a news release Thursday.

Under Louisville's ordinance, city officials have the authority to impound a vehicle used in street racing for six months and impose a $1,000 fine.

Drivers are then required to plead their case before the Louisville Code Enforcement Board to get their vehicle back instead of contesting the charge in court.

HB 465 goes a step further than Louisville's ordinance by mandating the destruction of vehicles seized in street racing busts.

"It's clear to me—and to the bill's primary cosponsor Rep. Jason Nemes—that the only way to get the attention of those taking part is to make sure they know it will cost them dearly," Chester-Burton said. "My bill will do exactly that."

Nemes, R-Middletown, said last November he planned to file legislation this session that would allow cars seized in street racing to be crushed.

It's also a move Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg touted last September as an "innovative approach" some states are using, and said he would support legislation to allow it on a state level.

The bill would raise the fine for those found guilty of illegal street racing from a maximum of $200 to $1,000. Similarly to Louisville's ordinance, it would also impound vehicles used for street racing for no less than six months.

Second offenses would result in the fine being doubled to $2,000. It would also require the accused to forfeit their vehicle to the state, which will destroy it.

Kentucky's current law that allows a 30-day imprisonment in lieu of a fine in such cases would be maintained in HB 465, Chester-Burton said.

"Those determined to race their vehicles can find legal places to do just that, but our public roads should never be the location for these activities," Chester-Burton said. "I hope my bill puts a stop to street racing once and for all."

No Limit Car Club, one of the most recognized car clubs in Louisville, has been advocating for the city to create safe, organized and regulated spaces where car enthusiasts can enjoy their hobby without risking their safety or their vehicles.

“There should be guidelines,” Dezaree "Dez" Wells, the club's president, told WDRB last December. “You have officers, fire marshals, and EMS present in case something goes wrong. It can really be a good thing. And the city could charge for it, people would pay.”

Wells has been adamant about keeping her club's activities honest. Illegal street racing and street takeovers are strictly forbidden for members of No Limit Car Club. Those who break the rules are removed from the group.

To read more about HB 465 click here.

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