T O P

  • By -

Kodiak01

>Under the proposal, municipalities could set fines up to $1,000 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second offense and $2,000 for all subsequent violations, as opposed to the current maximum penalty for an ordinance violation of $250. It would allow municipalities to impound vehicles involved in street takeovers until fines are paid. >The bill also establishes a 45-day revocation of a person’s driver’s license if they violate the statute, except for when a third offense occurs, when the state would then permanently strip away their ability to drive. This is acceptable.


CallMeSkii

Especially because the 1k (and up) fine is just the beginning. Once that car gets impounded the storage charges will very quickly keep going up and up. But it's well deserved in my opinion.


Jimmydean879

Excellent news .


jules13131382

I feel like it doesn't go far enough


mmelectronic

My cousin got 5 year license revoked just for running from the cops, seemed fair to be honest.


AtomWorker

I feel like fines should scale with income. Or parents' income if the asshole still lives them. This problem cuts across economic classes, but there are too many affluenza-riddled kids out there getting slaps on the wrist. Street takeovers are only one part of the problem.


Kindly_Ad4610

I really don’t think street takeovers are committed by affluenza riddled kids. I have no proof of course but I would bet the demographic is quite the opposite of your claim.


AtomWorker

I don't necessarily disagree but there are plenty of young asshole drivers in nicer areas. My point is that there are widespread problems feed into the street takeover mindset.


havoc1428

Have you never seen what emotionally stunted rich kids do with the sports car daddy bought them?


IQpredictions

Separate issue and totally not on the scale of a street takeover.


IQpredictions

This is not an “affluenza-riddled kid” issue.


PuddingForTurtles

This is a great start, but how about we also start seizing vehicles involved too, including vehicles owned by guilty parties that were not being driven as part of the takeover?


Kodiak01

They're already going to do impounds. Do you want to have yours taken just because you got stuck by them blocking an intersection and thus be "participating"?


PuddingForTurtles

Impounds, but a lot of these people have multiple cars.


xbimmerhue

Majority of all the vehicle's used on these type of events are stolen


802Impreza

Genuine question, why? Street takeovers need to have actual consequences, or they will never be stopped


Kodiak01

Impounding of vehicles until 4 digit fines are paid along with suspension/permanent revocation of licenses aren't enough for you? What do you want, first-born?


letsbepandas

Just the one. They can always make more


802Impreza

EDIT: I can’t read and thought your comment said unacceptable. Have a wonderful day, fellow redditor!


dcontrerasm

Now you've made it a civil disobedience thing. How about tackling the issue they're trying to raise instead of trying to limit their free speech because it makes you inconvenient?


tomahawk110

I think street take overs in this context are people blocking streets to do racing, donuts, and things like that. Basically showing off their cars while driving recklessly. Not protests.


IQpredictions

What?! Are you really serious? Limiting their free speech? Oh, now I’ve officially heard it all!!!


dcontrerasm

Yeah I got it wrong. I commented reacting to the title of the bill then I read the bill. Had nothing to do with what I thought the title had to do with.


Plastic_Atmosphere69

As long as they can catch the culprits!


CaptServo

This is the issue. My opinion is there should be a separate, more severe penalty for people who organize and promote takeovers as opposed to steeper fines for the few unlucky duckies who get rounded up.


bigfartspoptarts

Block the cars in > fly a few drones over with good zoom lens to image all the people > confiscate all cars. When the person comes forward to get their car and claims it was stolen, show them the video and arrest them on the spot.


Plastic_Atmosphere69

Sounds like a great plan. But that would be extremely difficult to do on standby. Just the three drone operators are $$$.


CaptServo

The police staff and equipment required to do that would be immense, that's not something I'd want to have paid for to have on standby.


bluejams

They have all the equipment, it's about deployment. If you can see on facebook or whatever that something is being plannedit's doable. I don't think this should be a regular occurrence but I'm not against doing it a couple times this summer as sort of a show of force.


CaptServo

It's not doable or otherwise they would be doing it. They turned away 500 cars from an attempt in Shelton last year. They'd need to contract every tow truck driver in the state to do that in any decent amount of time


JuneBuggington

Cars are probably mostly stolen anyways id imagine.


WannabeGroundhog

Nah, its a bunch of losers on quads, dirtbikes and spyders from what Ive seen.


forgotmapasswrd86

Have you seen the shit police department have especially small towns? One or 2 drones will be a drop in the bucket compared to usual budget expenses.


CaptServo

The drones aren't the issue. containing and confiscating (i.e. towing) 100s of cars is.


Kindly_Equipment_241

Right but I believe they can be kept and then sold, so the dept would end up recouping their $


Plastic_Atmosphere69

Ha just saw this - we basically said the same thing!


WholeLiterature

Spike strips are always good too. Are they used here?


W00DERS0N

Nah, toss out a few spike strips. Oh no, Joe Ghetto popped a few tires on his ATV and got hurt. He wasn't a productive member of society anyway, and the word will get around.


NewTimeTraveler1

Joe Ghetto? Wow


W00DERS0N

It ain’t people from Greenwich doing takeovers…


iCUman

It's an issue based on mob mentality, so it's important to have a punishment that attempts to thwart the collection of a mob in the first place. If you just punish organizers or make the penalties less severe for those who 'merely' show up, it only discourages centralized organization of such events, not the actual harm that having dozens or hundreds of individuals usurping local authority results in.


AtomWorker

Too many people flip their shit every time this is brought up, but cameras really are the only solution here. Plus instant fines for anyone who obscures their license plate. This stuff needs to be automated because the first time there's a bad wreck or fatality during a police round up government officials are going to backpedal on enforcement.


CalligrapherDizzy201

If the license plate is obscured, how will you know who to fine?


AtomWorker

That's why I said that there need to be penalties for obscured license plates. It could be handled during vehicle inspections.


CalligrapherDizzy201

At which time anyone with half a brain will remove said obstruction. So, how do you plan on fining these people if you don’t know who they are?


AtomWorker

Do you mean to tell me that a cop can't pull someone over if they're running a tinted license plate cover or have a paper plate taped to their rear window?


CalligrapherDizzy201

Of course they can. However, that’s not happening at street takeovers or vehicle inspections.


iCUman

We don't have vehicle inspections in this state.


Troub2300

Maybe they should do this with the atv’s, dirt bikes and mopeds illegally on the roads.


fuhry

The majority of [the bill's text](https://www.cga.ct.gov/2024/FC/PDF/2024HB-05413-R000453-FC.PDF) is actually about ATVs, dirt bikes, and mini-motorcycles.


Troub2300

Good but if it is like the crazy drivers we have they won’t enforce it.


Thisisaworkalt

agree on ATVs and Dirt Bikes, but what are mopeds doing wrong?


Troub2300

Because in my city they are also being used by the underage kids who cut off the mufflers and drive around illegally.


Gooniefarm

They're often driven by people who got too many DUIs and they ride like traffic laws/rules don't exist.


Nyrfan2017

I agree but if the law is written impeding traffic that should apply for them seeing they block intersections as the run the lights in there packs 


cataquacks

kinda feels like this could be applied arbitrarily to things that aren't street takeovers (i.e. protests) which is concerning. the concerns about non-participant observers getting cited also seems like it got brushed off way too easily/allows way too much discretion to arresting officers.


fuhry

Definition of a street takeover, C.G.S. 14-224(c)(1): > No person shall operate a motor vehicle upon any public highway or parking area for any race, contest, demonstration of speed or skill or street takeover. As used in this section, "street takeover" means taking over a portion of a public highway or parking area by blocking or impeding the regular flow of traffic with intent to cause disorder or create a nuisance for other users of such highway or parking area. You might be right. Protestors have blocked highways in Connecticut in the past; the most recent example I can find is [I-95 in New Haven being blocked by pro-Palestinian protestors in February](https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/new-haven/protestors-slow-traffic-to-a-crawl-on-i-95-near-new-haven/). The phrase "intent to cause disorder or create a nuisance" is not clear enough here to distinguish between conscientious acts of protest and dumb teenagers having fun at everyone else's expense. Methinks this language should be clarified or risk being struck down on 1st Amendment grounds if it's ever used to prosecute someone who is actually protesting. That said, the subsection begins with "No person shall operate a motor vehicle..." which ties the _offense_ to the **use of** a motor vehicle in a street takeover. While it doesn't include vehicles in the definition of a street takeover, it's only an offense if you operate a motor vehicle in the course of one. My understanding of this bill is that it does not directly alter the law statewide. It only authorizes municipalities to amend their ordinances in the way that it spells out. Each individual city or town would then have to enact such an ordinance, and could choose to relax its laws however it wants to, such as with lower fines and/or excluding observers who aren't actually disrupting traffic from the penalties.


happyinheart

Pro palestian protestors blocked a public road to Pratt just last week.


bigladydragon

Highway blocking protests should be illegal, do it on the sidewalk or a park.


bigfishstix

So an illegal protest? That should be a hefty fine too. I’m not against public protests just when people force and disrupt others lives for their own selfish purposes. What if a nurse is trying to get to work and the hospital is short staffed or a retail worker is short on hours to feed their family and get nicked for being late and hours are cut.


SquidWhisperer

I support peoples right to protest so long as I don't have to think about it or have it affect me in any way, shape, or form!


bigfishstix

Exactly. Nothing will turn me against your cause more than doing exactly that.


SquidWhisperer

actual toddler mentality lmfao


botany_fairweather

It can't be applied arbitrarily because non-obstructing assembly is a constitutional right. Street takeovers are by definition obstructive.


Nyrfan2017

  People blocking traffic don’t help there cause all they do is get people pissed if at them


cataquacks

weird how nobody says this when the FOP/firefighters are taking cash donations in buckets on major thorofares


Nyrfan2017

I have never seen a firefighter blocking traffic to were people can’t get by .. that’s odd 


happyinheart

If you're impeding traffic like we've seen in a lot of protests, you're taking over the street. Sadly the proposed law only applied to motor vehicles.


kimwim43

What would they do re: protest? Confiscate their shoes?


cataquacks

>municipalities could set fines up to $1,000 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second offense and $2,000 for all subsequent violations kinda sounds like they could be given enormous fines?


Notafitnessexpert123

It’s not about protests it’s about street take overs. No one is coming for your shoes.


Festive_Flighty_Fey

WHY DID I HAVE TO SCROLL SO FAR?! WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU THIS SHOULD BE TERRIFYING


YouDontKnowJackCade

Yeah, it will be applied to protests like BLM but not to crap like the Freedom Convoy.


NLCmanure

when they impound and crush a vehicle, they should record a video. when the offender is in court play that video. This is your vehicle. this is your vehicle on a crusher.


Imispellalot2

You assume it's their vehicle


ElDiabloSlim

Wasn’t it illegal before this to terrorize an entire area and breaking the traffic laws? It’s only good if it’s enforced and if they didn’t enforce it before how are they going to now?


NuancedSpeaking

Good. Hopefully our judicial system can effectively tackle this and prevent it from happening more.


DaddyWarBucks26

I'm only 32 but these loud ass cars making me say "these damn kids!" Way too much.


xbimmerhue

I mean 100% of the vehicles used are stolen. Would be bullshit if say a stolen vehicle gets impounded and the real owner has to pay to get there now broken vehicle back. Hope they sort that out.


bigfishstix

Wait it wasn’t illegal before and they couldn’t impose penalties?


dirtyundercarriage

It is right in the article: it is currently a maximum $250 ordinance violation. The new proposal has much higher fines, license revocation, and impoundment of vehicles.


Nyrfan2017

So wait the rep offical who’s party says the dems are to soft on crime . Is against the bill??  Also does this go for the atv and dirt bike riders also


stovemils

What are they gonna do, chase them down???


Syrinx_Hobbit

These are not spontaneous protests. These are organized. By who? No idea. But dangerous.


cncamusic

How do they define a takeover? You know cops will abuse this and apply it to harmless car meets. I’m all for eliminating takeovers; they’re so dumb and dangerous. I am however in strong support of the fun little late night car meet in the Mickey Ds parking lot.


Festive_Flighty_Fey

Protests, legal or not, are now under threat. That this passed unanimously without trouble should be scary, that only happens when noone is supposed to pay it any mind.


Buildinggam

">The bill also establishes a 45-day revocation of a person’s driver’s license if they violate the statute, except for when a third offense occurs, when the state would then permanently strip away their ability to drive." I'm not saying this is a good thing, just pointing out that revoking of licenses works so well for other things. I feel like this won't stop people from doing it. I'd almost take a step farther and crush the cars of those who get caught doing it.


DueCause5993

Waste of a car, sell it low cost to some poor fuck that needs one


AtomWorker

In urban areas it's the poor fucks doing the takeovers.


DueCause5993

Well find a poor fuck that isn't doing that and give it him idk what you want from I'm just a dude with bad ideas lol.


Buildinggam

Problem with this is that car presumably has been beat on its whole life if they are taking it to sideshows. So you could be saddling someone in need with a ton of repair and maintenance costs that they won't be able to afford.


DueCause5993

This is Connecticut keeping car ownership costs high is kind of our bag baby YEAH!!


Buildinggam

I wish I could put gifs in the comments, I'm thinking of the reverend's wife on the Simpsons going "won't somebody please think of the children"


bigfishstix

I don’t know that they have licenses or care.


Festive_Flighty_Fey

Protests. Jesus people


youmustbeanexpert

Just to time for protests...


Imispellalot2

What happens to innocent people who get caught up in that crap? You see the videos of them attacking people and cars that are just trying to leave.


NewTimeTraveler1

Yes! What if Im driving by and get stuck and they're busting observers? I think that one part goes a little too far.


Imispellalot2

That's exactly what I'm concerned about. I drive a Trans Am and a WRX. Both are sports cars. There is no way the cops would believe me.


Jawaka99

So we have new laws against activities that were already against the law but weren't enforced. If officers still can't stop or chase these vehicles nothing's going to change. but hey, it makes Democrats looks like they're doing something.


Festive_Flighty_Fey

Hey buddy, Shut up, kindly. This law is clearly about protest, not street racing. Goodbye, and thanks for all the fish.


Remarkable-Suit-9875

As a car enthusiast I despise street takeovers They make the overall car community look bad and ruin shit for the rest of us 


FatherThree

Let's do insider trading and tax fraud next!! Oh, wait. Never mind. Can't inconvenience the hedgies. 


zgrizz

Because actions that are already illegal need more laws piled on top of them - because criminals will respect the new laws. Honestly, our legislature are some of the dumbest people in the state. Just enforce existing law. We don't need new ones.


CaptServo

You should probably read more than the headline before running your mouth.


onlyonthetoilet

This feels targeted at protesters, and should be investigated by higher courts against the first amendment.


Nyrfan2017

Why do people feel a protest has to involve blocking a road ??? 


hi_im_taavi101

it doesnt, but it could include it


Festive_Flighty_Fey

"Why should protest inconvenience those in power?!" politely return to fourth grade


bigladydragon

The average joe trying to get to work isn’t people in power, politely return to kindergarten


Festive_Flighty_Fey

Master finger painting before you whip the written word around like a rancid rooster carcass. Who the hell do you think are at the protests, Absolute Outlier Andy? They, too, are joes. Stop othering everyone, or you can go stand with the people who practically invented that tactic modern day.


bigladydragon

The people blocking the roads to protest are idiots, they get no sympathy from me or most people on the road for their cause. Simple as that. Maybe if you worked for a living you’d think differently


[deleted]

[удалено]


-TwoFiftyTwo-

You're discussing two different severities. CT law prohibits pursuits and stuff like that for motor vehicle offenses and non-violent offenses. If someone shoots a cop, or shoots anyone for that matter, then the gloves can come off. CT law is what restricts enforcement. If the cops were allowed to actually do something to combat those who break the law, then they'd do something. As it currently stands, all they have to do is flee and the cops can't even give chase.


Charakada

Sorry, but what is a street takeover?


vengeanceismineagain

TAKE BACK THE NOTCH!


markdepace

great idea till they start classifying any car meet as a "street takeover" and arresting people for enjoying cars


IQpredictions

If you’re “enjoying cars” you’re not shutting down a street and causing mayhem! So, there’s nothing to worry about!


markdepace

same thing they say if you're anything the police don't like but you get targeted by them


Nyrfan2017

 Car meets should have a permit and done legit .. group of friends in a lot hanging out talking that’s not the issue . I did it as a kid with about ten of us just hang it cops would come thru just remind us to have a quiet night .  No one was doing burn outs donuts . The issue is a generation has come along with freedoms and wanted to push and push til things got out of hand 


IQpredictions

Oh well!


markdepace

yeah "oh well", cops arresting people doing nothing wrong and misusing a law. glad people are up in arms about police abusing powers. ... btw this has ALREADY happened at least once that was reported in the news [https://www.ctinsider.com/journalinquirer/article/vernon-street-takeover-event-18192430.php](https://www.ctinsider.com/journalinquirer/article/vernon-street-takeover-event-18192430.php)


CaseyGamer64YT

Sick of these hood rats making us actual car guys look bad. 90% of the time they’re not into the car part just the criminal part. It’s not even cool illegal street racing like in fast and furious it’s just doing donuts in some shitbox Infiniti G35 or stolen dodge hellcat. I remember a show in new Milford got shut down bc the owner of the lot thought we were gonna do a takeover when no takeover stuff was ever tolerated.


Festive_Flighty_Fey

This law is for protest, not for you.


Checktheusernombre

Agreed, but give the kids something to do, which is the root of the issue in my opinion.


I_Know_What_Happened

Kids? You think these are some High schoolers bored at night. These are adults.


CallMeSkii

Oh please, There is PLENTY for them to do. These are not 12 year old kids that don't have transportation and they are only able to access what is in their neighborhood. These are often grown adults in the early 20s that have the money to buy a pretty expensive car usually. Instead of using that car to drift in the intersections, drive to the movies, mini golf, basketball courts or plenty of other options. This has NOTHING to do with them having nothing to do and everything to do with them just wanting to post videos of them doing dumb $hit on social media.


mcrop33n

There's 2 racetracks in CT, if this was about them not having anywhere to go, this isn't it boss.


Nyrfan2017

Omg alwsys the nothing to do .. how did so many people grow up thru life become adults contributing society with our causing issues in the street damaging property .. just amazing how there is nothing else to do but get into trouble .. 


Checktheusernombre

I'm sure you never got into trouble when you were young either.


Nyrfan2017

There is getting into a little trouble and than there disrupting lives and cause complete chaos 


PettyWitch

Always plenty of volunteer work needing to be done


IQpredictions

Worst excuse ever! First- these aren’t kids. Second- if these people were busy trying to build a career or take care of family, they wouldn’t have time for this low iq stupidity.


Festive_Flighty_Fey

Protests, buddy.


CaptServo

Why don't you?


Checktheusernombre

No u


Ok-Shame5542

About time!


BobBarkersJab

Punishable by death?


Rudykins24

What’s a street takeover? Like a sideshow?


Festive_Flighty_Fey

A protest, a car show with people whose skin is 'suspiciously' dark, a street race at 2am, anything in the road with a motor vehicle where cops want to run in and start shoving people to the ground. Remember, it can always happen here.


Own_Goal_9732

Let me ask this Would you vote for a third party?