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DRIVERS have been slapped with $100 fines under a new 200-foot rule, and after they get towed those fees can skyrocket.
National crackdowns on illegal automotive events commonly known as sideshows have been carried out by police forces across the country.
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Now cops in Kansas City have launched a new weapon in the fight on illegal street races and street takeovers that can endanger the public and block traffic.
In September, a new ordinance was introduced allowing police to tow the vehicles of not just those who participate in these events, but those who just spectate at them.
Drivers also face a fee under the new city ordinance.
City ordinance 230724, passed on September 14, sets out the new powers given to law enforcement.
READ MORE ON DRIVING FINES
The law states, “If the driver or passengers of a vehicle that the police have probable cause to believe is, or was, involved as a racer, participant, or spectator in street racing or sideshows on streets and highways in violation of sections 70065 or 70066 is identified and located, that vehicle may be towed, impounded with the city and assessed an administrative fee in the amount determined by the director of public works or their designee, consistent with state law.”
It goes on, “The administrative fee may be increased upon the occurrence of subsequent violations.”
Currently, that fee is capped at $100, but drivers face potential additional fees imposed due to towing and impounding.
The statute applies to anyone found within 200 feet of a street race or street takeover.
Those powers have already been put into use in Missouri.
“We are now towing spectators at sideshows, thanks to a new ordinance,” the Kansas City Police Department wrote in a statement on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
“Overnight and across Kansas City, officers continued their enforcement of these crimes.”
The statement went on, “Including participants and spectators, officers towed 10 vehicles, arrested four people, and issued 16 citations.
“They also recovered one stolen auto.”
Among the vehicles targeted were a Dodge Dakota, a Honda Civic EX sedan, and a Toyota Camry.
The force said it carried out the work in partnership with the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.
Responses to the move on social media were mixed.
What to do if your car is towed
Wrongfully or not, retrieving a towed vehicle can be a hassle.
If your vehicle is towed after parking in a “No Parking” zone or other legitimate reason, there are a few steps to take to get it back.
Steps to take when your car is towed:
- Try to figure out why your car was towed. Did you not see a posted “No Parking” sign? Did you miss a car payment? Did you return to a lot where you have unpaid citations? Finding the reason can narrow down the phone numbers to dial.
- Locate the vehicle. Most states, cities, or counties require towing companies to leave some form of contact information via a posted sign or sent by mail.
- Recovery dates and times depend on the company that towed the vehicle, but those times will be posted to the website or can be recited by a representative.
- Pay the fees. Be careful to be as prompt as possible, as some tow yards may charge storage fees by the day.
If you feel your vehicle was wrongfully towed, contesting the action can be done with the following steps:
- Be prompt – many states have a small window of time where it’s acceptable to file a complaint against a company that wrongfully towed the vehicle.
- Gather supporting documents: photos, emails, receipts, police reports, and witness statements if applicable. The more evidence, the better.
- Get familiar with your local laws, as laws for towing companies vary per state.
- Try speaking with the towing company. Sometimes it may have been a simple oversight, and the matter can be resolved quickly.
- Contact the Justice of the Peace in your area, as they may have more insight or resources to help. They are often utilized for towing cases.
- Talk to a lawyer. Many lawyers have free case consultations, and depending on the case, it may be worth it to utilize a lawyer.
Source: Oregon Department of Justice, National General, Rak Law Firm
“Bout time!” wrote one X user. “Keep cracking down on these and please help downtown KC businesses with all the break-ins.”
“Now do the unlawful four-wheelers and dirt bike groups,” wrote another.
But others were less positive.
“We go after spectators for crimes now?” wrote an X user.
While a second added, “K.C. Where criminals walk free but don’t you dare get together with your buddies and show off your cool cars.”
The U.S. Sun has approached Kansas City, Missouri for comment.
