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The Albany Common Council is considering a new measure to crack down on illegal street racing in the city. Introduced on Monday (March 16) by Council member Rachel Powell, the bill would allow law enforcement to seize vehicles used in these unlawful contests and impose stricter penalties on participants and spectators.
Street racing has become a persistent issue on Washington Avenue Extension, where drivers often close down sections for races and other vehicle gatherings. The proposed legislation aims to address this by expanding the city's civil forfeiture rules, allowing police to confiscate cars involved in street racing. According to Times Union, the bill also introduces harsher penalties, including a $600 fine and up to six months in jail for a first offense. Repeat offenders could face a $1,000 fine and a year in prison.
The measure targets not only drivers but also organizers, flaggers, and spectators, defined as anyone within 200 feet of a race or street takeover. Powell emphasized the need for these measures, citing the dangerous situations created for residents in nearby neighborhoods.
The Albany Police Department supports the bill, stating that it would enhance policing strategies by providing clear provisions for enforcement and deterrence. The bill also includes a provision to prevent those convicted of street racing-related offenses from repurchasing their seized vehicles at municipal auctions.
The proposed legislation reflects similar efforts in other regions, such as Washington state, where a law was enacted to stop street racing by expanding the definition of racing and allowing vehicle seizures.