‘We’re done with this,’ fume drivers as tougher new speeding law sees $1,000 fine for offenders

Aiming to curb speeding, the new measures impose $1,000 fines on violators.

Drifting and wheelies will be prohibited as part of a new crackdown on street racing.

Authorities said the drivers in Cleveland, Ohio, are acting like “the wild, wild, west.”

The city is now in compliance with the October 24 state legislation revisions thanks to these regulations.

However, the new legislation were introduced in response to a slew of events that occurred in Cleveland in September.

“We need to get the attention of these street outlaws, who think this is the wild, wild, west and they can do anything they like on our Cleveland roads and parking lots,” stated Councilman Polensk.

Blocking intersections, burnouts, doughnuts, drifting, stunt driving, and wheelies are among the newly officially prohibited actions.

Penalties include fines of up to $1,000 and a possible prison sentence of six months.

Police can also confiscate modified automotive parts that are used to make cars quicker for illicit speed racing under the new law enforcement.

Additionally, officers will target the equipment used to alter cars in ways that could be harmful or unlawful.

Several drivers engaged in a number of gruesome and disturbing stunts throughout the evening of September 28 and into the morning of September 29.

These included attempting to create fires, pointing firearms at individuals, and stopping traffic on Interstate 90.

According to local NBC-owned station WKYC, Cleveland Police have already detained seven individuals for their alleged involvement in the takeovers, and three of them have been charged by grand juries.

Those found guilty of street takeovers, whether directly as participants or indirectly as spectators, will be subject to the same punishments under the new regulations.

“The penalty for violation has not been changed from the current city code and is the same as state law: a 1st-degree misdemeanor and at least a 30-day suspension of the driver’s license as well as the same penalty for anyone who assists them,” the Cleveland City Council stated in a statement.

“The new legislation would also make ‘vehicle components’ subject to seizure and forfeiture, including but not limited to steering wheels, wheels, and tires and mufflers, or any part of the vehicle or component that was adapted for use in street takeovers, stunt driving or racing,” the statement continued.

A Street Take Over Task Force has also been formed in Cleveland to look on ways to address the issue.

In addition to announcing the restrictions, Councilmen Polensek stated that the city will no longer tolerate street takeovers.

He told the offenders, “You’re not going to come in from Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron, Barberton, Sandusky, and terrorize our residents.”

Authorities have noted a discernible decrease in street takeovers since the crackdown.

However, during a Council Safety Committee hearing, Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd stated that unlawful automobile meetings in parking lots had persisted.

The new, more stringent regulations are now anticipated to be approved by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb.