Seattle City Council Adopts New Tools to Fight Illegal Street Racing

The Seattle City Council has approved new legislation aimed at combating the growing problem of illegal street racing. Sponsored by Councilmembers Bob Kettle and Tanya Woo, the law imposes a $500 infraction for registered owners involved in racing and classifies the crime as a reckless driving gross misdemeanor. This move comes in response to rising community concerns and a series of violent incidents, including shootings and fatalities, linked to illegal street racing in the city. The legislation also gives the City Attorney's Office the statutory authority to prosecute illegal racing as misdemeanor and gross misdemeanors crimes. Beyond defining illegal racing, the new ordinance amends the city code to incorporate changes in state law regarding illegal racing.

The state law, which became effective in 2024, expands the definition of illegal racing behavior beyond speed contests and provides new impound and forfeiture authority for vehicles used in illegal racing. Councilmembers hope that the new tools will help the Seattle Police Department respond to these incidents more effectively. The new legislation represents a significant step towards improving public safety and curbing illegal street racing in the city.