STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
AGENDA DATE: May 27, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
EXECUTIVE: Jon Fortune
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SUBJECT
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An ordinance amending Chapter 28, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic ,” of the Dallas City Code, by amending Sections 28-203, 28-204, 28-205, 28-206, 28-207, 28-208, 28-209, 28-210, 28-211, 28-212, 28-213, 28-214, 28-215, 28-216, 28-217, 28-218, and 28-219; adding Section 28-219.1; (1) providing prohibitions on spectating at a street race or reckless driving exhibition or the preparations of either activities; (2) providing for the abatement of nuisance vehicles engaged in street races and reckless driving exhibitions; (3) providing notice requirements; (4) providing for a response to be timely filed to oppose the abatement; (5) providing for an administrative nuisance abatement by the city attorney; (6) providing for judicial nuisance abatement proceedings; (7) providing regulations for a joint property interest release; (8) providing for stipulated vehicle release agreements; (9) providing vehicle title vesting in the city; (10) providing regulations for the sale of an abated vehicle by a court order at a public auction; (11) providing regulations on disposition of low-value vehicles; (12) providing for regulations on the sale proceeds; (13) requiring a written accounting of sale proceeds; (14) providing regulations on stolen vehicles and innocent owner remedies; (15) providing regulations regarding towing and storage fees; (16) providing an offense for aiding street racing or reckless driving exhibitions on property a person owns, controls, or operates; and (17) providing a penalty not to exceed $500.00 - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
The Dallas Police Department seeks to address street racing concerns, to deter and enforce speeding, racing, and reckless driving violations. The amendment of Chapter 28, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic,” addresses spectators who are knowingly present at a street race, reckless driving exhibition, or site of preparations for either event. Moreover, the amendment prohibits premise owners and operators from allowing street races, reckless driving exhibitions, or from being the site of preparations for either event to occur on their premises. Along with these violations, vehicles used in a street race or reckless driving exhibition may be declared a nuisance subject to abatement by the city to deter future events of this nature. The amendment provides procedures to abate a vehicle declared a nuisance under this chapter and provides due process for legal and registered owners of the vehicle along with any lienholders of record.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Public Safety committee was briefed regarding this item on May 11, 2020.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.