County Council votes to raise street takeover fines to $5,000

[Alexandria Barnes]

The County Council voted Tuesday to increase fines for people who take part in street takeovers from $1,000 to $5,000, the maximum allowed under state law.


Bill 27-26 makes participating in a street takeover or unlawful race a Class A violation. The State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes those cases, and a judge determines the fine.


Street takeovers occur when drivers block public roads to race or perform stunts such as donuts.

Takeovers grew during the pandemic​

Councilmember Andrew Friedson introduced the bill in June. He said the events grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, when roads saw less traffic, and threatened neighbors, other drivers, participants and police officers.

The county has seen several takeovers this year. In February, drivers took over the intersection of East West Highway and Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase. Police say the crowd damaged two cruisers, one with an officer inside. Police later arrested three people.

In April, police say a shooting during a takeover at the Kensington Safeway injured two people. The county’s police union has also called for a tougher state law.

“Residents deserve to feel safe on our roads and in their neighborhoods,” Friedson said in a statement after the vote.

Bill bans organizing street takeovers​

The bill bans coordinating, promoting or knowingly helping organize a takeover. It mirrors steps the state and Prince George’s County have already taken.

Acting Police Chief Darren Francke said takeovers have involved stolen vehicles, assaults and property damage.

“This legislation takes action before a greater tragedy is realized in our community,” Francke said.

Mink raises peaceful protest concerns​

The bill drew broad support, but some councilmembers questioned how its language could affect peaceful protest.

The council’s Public Safety Committee recommended the bill Oct. 5 by a 2-0-1 vote. Councilmember Kristin Mink abstained.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Mink said she supports the bill but worries about peaceful protest. She offered an amendment to narrow the definition of a street takeover. As written, she said, the definition could cover peaceful car caravans like those common during the pandemic. Mink said she took part in and organized some of those caravans herself.

“Nobody should have to go to court to defend their First Amendment right for peaceful protest,” Mink said.

Councilmember Will Jawando seconded the amendment.

Police oppose a narrower definition​

County police opposed the change. Lt. Pat Kepp, deputy director of the department’s Traffic Operations Division, said narrower language would limit officers. He said drivers adapt quickly and invent new tactics each time a new rule takes effect.

Kepp said the department protects peaceful protest through its Special Events Response Team. He drew a sharp line between those protests and takeovers.

“They’re in no way peaceful,” Kepp said.

If County Executive Marc Elrich signs the bill, it takes effect in 91 days. Read the council’s June announcement of the bill.

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