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Bill would allow police to confiscate vehicles involved in ‘street takeovers’
The bill would also set prison sentences and fines for involvement in street takeovers.
A new bill would allow police to confiscate vehicles involved in and set penalties for “street takeovers.”
State Rep. Christopher Markey filed “An Act Relative to Protecting the Public from Street Takeovers” with Rep. Steven Xiarhos.
The legislation would “establish penalties for reckless or negligent operation of a vehicle and hindering the movement of other vehicles.”
Under the bill, anyone who blocks access to public arteries and businesses in a “reckless and negligent manner” with a group of more than two vehicles could face up to 2.5 years in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
More on Street Takeovers:
Additionally, police would be able to seize vehicles involved in street takeovers if there is a violation or conviction under the proposed law. Then, the funds from the forfeited vehicles would be allocated to municipalities, according to a press release from Markey’s office.
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The bill would also elevate the classification of a disorderly person or disturber of the peace while masked to a jailable first offense, according to the release.
“As a former police officer and Deputy Police Chief with 40 years of law enforcement experience, I’ve seen firsthand how dangerous and out of control these street takeovers and illegal racing events can become. They put innocent lives at risk — drivers, passengers, bystanders, and police officers responding to the scene,” Xiarhos said in a statement. “I filed this bill to ensure there are real consequences for those who choose to endanger our communities.”
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“I am deeply concerned by the danger [the] street takeover incidents represent to public safety,” Markey said in a statement shared with Boston.com. “We have already seen multiple instances where property was damaged, law enforcement was assaulted, and bystanders were injured. This legislation takes an important step by giving law enforcement and municipalities the necessary tools to combat the crisis.”
The bill was filed on Oct. 8, four days after street takeovers involving car burnouts, donuts, and racing occurred in five cities across Massachusetts, including teens allegedly igniting a Boston police cruiser with fireworks.
In response to the street takeovers, Gov. Maura Healey announced a $14 million safety grant at a press conference on Oct. 16. She also announced that seven people were arrested and over 200 citations were issued following the street takeovers in early October.
The takeovers also caught the attention of President Donald Trump, who said he would prevent the 2026 World Cup games from taking place in Foxborough if he feels it is unsafe.
“I think that Robert Kraft and the team have safety well in hand,” Healey said in response to Trump’s comments, noting that Massachusetts is one of the safest states in the nation. “That’s just more political theater,” she continued.
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While street takeovers are new to Massachusetts, Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble said at the Oct. 16 press conference that his agency has been tracking them in other states for years.
Markey and Xiarhos’s bill was referred to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on Nov. 6.
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