Yahoo Autos Cops in Kansas City Now Towing the Cars of Spectators at Sideshows
Law enforcement officers across the nation are searching for ways to curtail the illegal automotive events commonly known as sideshows. Street races and street takeovers are more than just a nuisance that blocks traffic; they can endanger the public. Now, Kansas City has a new weapon against them: a city ordinance introduced in September that says police can tow the vehicles of those who simply spectate at these illegal events. And the local police department is putting that new power into use.
"We are now towing spectators at sideshows, thanks to a new ordinance," the Kansas City Police Department declared on Instagram and Facebook. "Overnight and across Kansas City, officers continued their enforcement of these crimes. Including participants and spectators, officers towed 10 vehicles, arrested four people, and issued 16 citations. They also recovered one stolen auto," it continued.
Amongst the targeted cars were a Toyota Camry, a Dodge Dakota, and a Honda Civic EX sedan. To put it simply, these aren't the kind of cars that participate in sideshows. They are, however, perfectly good for traveling to and from such an event. Now, participants have to consider whether or not attending is worth potentially losing their ride.
City ordinance 230724, passed on September 14 of this year, is responsible for giving officers the power to tow spectator vehicles at events like this.
"If the driver or passengers of a vehicle that the police have probable cause to believe is, or was, involved as a racer, participant, or spectator in street racing or sideshows on streets and highways in violation of sections 70065 or 70066 is identified and located, that vehicle may be towed, impounded with the city and assessed an administrative fee in the amount determined by the director of public works or their designee, consistent with state law. The administrative fee may be increased upon the occurrence of subsequent violations."
That fee is currently capped at $100, but fees imposed due to towing and impounding the vehicle could potentially be levied on top of that. The law makes it clear that this statute applies to anyone who is within 200 feet of a street race or street takeover.
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