Wayne County Commissioners expand scope of anti-drag racing ordinance

Published on February 16, 2024

Wayne County Commissioners today expanded the scope of the county's anti-drag racing ordinance by adding penalties for those who promote the prohibited, and dangerous, street races.

"There are people who not only promote these races through social media and other sources and even sell tickets to them," commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit) said. "This ordinance revision makes them responsible, too."

The revision adds liability for those who assist street races, including blocking traffic, filming or live-streaming races and promoting races, including receiving money for their efforts, as well as participating in any other activity allowing illegal street races to occur.

Those involved will face civil penalties in the Third Circuit Court. Penalties will only be applied to those involved in organizing such races. Onlookers won't face penalties.

An additional change requires police agencies to notify the Wayne County Prosecutor's office of any vehicles seized in relation to street races, though police agencies retain jurisdiction over seized vehicles.

Commissioners initially adopted the anti-drag racing ordinance about 25 years ago and revised it in 2020 to toughen penalties for those caught racing.

Wayne County Commissioners expand scope of anti-drag racing ordinance(PDF, 123KB)