The Connecticut House of Representatives passed a bill yesterday that would help towns and cities crack down on street takeovers.
The bill would allow municipalities to adopt ordinances to penalize street takeovers and fine participants up to $2,000. It would also open up a grant program totaling at least $500,000 to help local authorities respond to street takeovers.
Other provisions of House Bill 5413 include:
- Changing license penalties for street takeovers and racing (revoked for 45 days after first and second violation, permanently revoted after third violation)
- Allowing municipalities to seize ATVs, dirt bikes and mini-motorcycles involved in street takeovers that are not forfeited within 30 days' notice
- Allowing municipalities to destroy ATVs, dirt bikes and mini-motorcycles that are seized and forfeited
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Several Connecticut communities have seen a rise in street takeover incidents in recent months. Five people were arrested in connection with an attempted takeover in Hartford last month and a string of takeovers hit Shelton, Milford, Derby and North Haven in December 2023.
The bill has not yet passed the Senate.