HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0055) M&C 21-0304City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 04/20/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0304
LOG NAME: 35ORDINANCE-STREET-RACING
SUBJECT
(ALL) Adopt Attached Ordinance Amending Chapter 22, "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Article XII, "Reserved," of the Fort Worth City Code, by
Adding Sections 22-361, 22-362, 22-363, and 22-364, Related to Street Racing and Reckless Driving Exhibitions by Prohibiting Spectators and
Persons from Aiding in the Preparation of those Illegal Events
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Adopt the attached ordinance amending Chapter 22, "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Article XII, "Reserved," of the Fort Worth City Code, by
adding Sections 22-361, 22-362, 22-363, and 22-364, related to street racing and reckless driving exhibitions by prohibiting spectators and
persons from aiding in the preparation of those illegal events.
DISCUSSION:
Since November 2019, the Fort Worth Police Department has received approximately 2,500 calls related to street racing or reckless driving
exhibitions from citizens all over the City. While the Texas Transportation Code makes street racing and reckless driving illegal and provides
punishment for persons engaged in those activities, there is currently no statute prohibiting the gathering of spectators at those illegal events or
prohibiting persons from aiding those events on property they own, operate, or control, or the preparation thereof. In most cases, street races
attract spectators, whose presence encourages the illegal events and creates an environment in which street racing can flourish. And, as a result,
street racing not only endangers the lives of the persons illegally racing, but also endangers the general public and racing spectators.
Adoption of this ordinance will prohibit the gathering of spectators at these illegal events and prohibit persons from aiding these events on property
they own, operate, or control, or the preparation thereof within the corporate limits of the City of Fort Worth. The violations will be misdemeanors,
and upon conviction a fine of up to $500.00 will be assessed.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that approval of this recommendation will have no material effect on City funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office by. Jay Chapa 5804
Originating Business Unit Head:
Neil Noakes 4212
Additional Information Contact: Robert Alldredge 4131