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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 276-04
October 14, 2004

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION TOUGHENING PENALTIES FOR DRAG RACING

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me today is Introductory Number 364-A sponsored by Council Members Vallone, Liu, Weprin, Addabbo, Avella, Comrie, Fidler, Gerson, Katz, Koppell, Monserrate, Nelson, Palma, Sanders, Sears and Gennaro. This bill increases the penalties for drag racing.

"When someone is arrested for drag racing, they can be charged with various crimes according to provisions in the State Vehicle and Traffic Law and Penal Law. However, securing a conviction requires a showing of reckless conduct, which can be difficult to prove.

"This legislation will allow District Attorneys to charge someone who's been arrested for drag racing not only with a violation of State Law, but also with a violation of the City's Administrative code. Additionally, Intro. 360 allows for arrests to be made for 'actions or circumstances that reasonably indicate that a race is imminent.' This will allow police to make arrests even before races begin based upon the presence of nitrous oxide canisters, or individuals wagering on races. Intro. 364 also allows for the arrests of individuals who participate by ether wagering or waving flags to begin or end races.

"By adding this provision to the City's Administrative Code we have significantly increased the penalties for drag racing. A violation of this section is punishable by imprisonment of not more than 6 months and/or a fine of not more than $600. A second violation of this section committed within 10 years of the first violation shall be punished by imprisonment of not more than 1 year and/or a fine of not more than $1,000. Additionally, those who promote drag racing will face penalties of imprisonment of up to 15 days and/or a fine of not more than $250."

"I would like to thank Commissioner Kelly and his staff at the Police Department for their work and assistance on this legislation.  I would also like to thank Council Member Vallone for his leadership, and the other Council Members who co-sponsored this legislation and guided it through the legislative process." 







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz   (212) 788-2958




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