Prince George’s County community leaders are hopeful about a new Maryland law that will crack down on street racing and illegal car gatherings that have increased in years.
Six Maryland men arrested last week are charged under a new law, just two months old, that toughens the consequences for organizers and participants of street races and exhibition driving.
“I’m very happy that they were able to corner them and arrest them, because it’s outrageous. . . It’s dangerous. You don’t know what’s going to happen when other people turn around and drive recklessly,” said Prince George’s County Council President Jolene Ivey. “It took place close to home and it was terrifying for everyone. “
Maryland’s new law, which went into effect June 1, cracks down on street racing and show driving, defining prohibited acts and expanding penalties.
“The value of partying on our streets, and in a harmful way, has just increased,” said John Seng, president of the nonprofit Safe Roads Maryland, which advocates for a crackdown on illegal gatherings.
“You’re going to party, have a fancy time in city centers, and buy groceries in malls. And you need to brag and put others in danger. . . you’re going to pay much higher fines,” Seng said. “If someone is injured, they will receive a harsh criminal sentence. “
He added that the new law also requires a court and issues about the authors’ license.
The new law aims to crack down on gatherings by targeting everyone who participates in events that take place on social media.
Seng said anyone, not just drivers, can be arrested for staging a street display, organizing rallies, rallying, filming or simply being a bystander.
“If you participate in this demonstration — driving, leaning out of the window or on the hood of the car, having fun — (and) you get arrested, the law requires you to appear in court,” Seng told WTOP. .
Both Ivey and Seng hope the new crackdown on street racing and exhibition conduct will put an end to such harmful and illegal events.
“I hope everything they’ve done they can use to catch other people in the long run and prevent this kind of thing from happening,” Ivey said.
“Our measure of good luck will not be the number of arrests. This will be measured by restoring peace and calm in downtown spaces such as Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Security (Square) Mall, the state of Maryland,” Seng said.
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