Prince George’s County community leaders are hopeful about a new Maryland law that will crack down on illegal street racing and car rallies that have increased in years.
Six Maryland men arrested last week are charged under a new law, just two months old, that toughens the consequences for organizers and participants of street races and exhibition driving.
“I’m very happy that they were able to corner them and arrest them, because it’s outrageous. . . It’s dangerous. You don’t know what’s going to happen when other people turn around and drive recklessly,” said Prince George’s County Council President Jolene Ivey. “It took place close to home and it was terrifying for everyone. “
Maryland’s new law, which went into effect June 1, cracks down on street racing and show driving, defining prohibited acts and expanding penalties.
“The value of partying on our streets — and harmful tactics — just increased,” said John Seng, president of the nonprofit Safe Roads Maryland, which advocates for cracking down on illegal gatherings.
“If you go partying, you have fun in urban centers and shopping in shopping centers. And you need to brag and put others at risk. . . you’re going to pay much higher fines,” Seng said. someone is injured, a serious criminal penalty. “
He added that the new law also requires a court and issues about the authors’ license.
The new law aims to crack down on gatherings by targeting everyone who participates in events held on social media.
Seng said anyone, not just drivers, can be arrested for staging a street display, organizing rallies, rallying, filming or simply being a bystander.
“If you participate in this demonstration – driving, hanging out the window or on the hood of the car, having fun – (and) you are arrested, the law requires you to appear in court,” Seng told WTOP. .
Ivey and Seng hope the new crackdown on street racing and exhibition driving will put an end to those harmful and illegal events.
“I hope that everything they’ve done they can use to trap other people in the long run and prevent this kind of thing from happening,” Ivey said.
“Our measure of good luck will not be the number of arrests. This will be measured by restoring peace and calm in downtown spaces such as Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Security (Square) Mall, the state of Maryland,” Seng said.
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