Seattle sees surge in street racing incidents. City leaders to tackle this trend with new legislation.

Seattle, Washington – Aiming at reversing the alarming trend of illegal street racing in the city, the Seattle City Council passed a major piece of legislation on July 16. Enthusiastically backed by Councilmembers and the City Attorney, the new ordinance adds harsher fines and clearer definitions to discourage these dangerous activities.

Sponsored in cooperation with City Attorney Ann Davison by Councilmember Bob Kettle of District 7 and Councilmember Tanya Woo of Position 8, the ordinance especially targets the registered owners of vehicles engaged in racing. Under the new regulation, these people risk a $500 traffic ticket, which aligns unlawful street racing with reckless driving as a serious misdemeanor under state law.

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Chair of the Public Safety Committee Councilmember Kettle voiced his appreciation of the council’s aggressive approach.

“We heard loud and clear from our constituents that they’re frustrated with the prevalence of street racing,” said Councilmember Kettle who serves as chair of Public Safety Committee. “I’m proud we’ve worked with the City Attorney to take meaningful action in adopting these new tools to help SPD respond to these incidents. These races pose a clear and present danger to the neighborhoods they’re held in. I want to thank my colleagues, particularly Councilmember Woo and Councilmember Saka, for their support.”

City Attorney Davison also commended the Council’s decisive action.

“I applaud the Council for taking action on this important legislation, because it is crucial to address the growing problem of illegal street racing,” said City Attorney Davison. “There have been deaths, injuries, shootings, and more, and this legislation creates a tool that will make a significant positive impact on this public safety issue.”

Councilmember Woo highlighted the community’s call for safer streets across various neighborhoods from Alki Beach to Capitol Hill.

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“We’ve listened closely to community members from Alki Beach to Belltown to Capitol Hill. The call for safer streets is loud and clear,” said Councilmember Woo. “We must do something to discourage this reckless behavior before it causes greater harm. I’m confident that this legislation will turn the tide on this dangerous public disorder.”

Rising incidents and community concerns drove the need for this law. Especially in 2023, unlawful street racing events caused several fatalities, including a fatal gunshot during a Capitol Hill area event. The state has also acted; the Washington State Legislature passed Senate Bill 5606 in 2023, therefore strengthening restrictions on illegal racing and adding new car impound and forfeiture authority.

The Seattle legislation raises penalties for repeated violations in addition to fines on car owners. Councilmember Rob Saka proposed amendments that were adopted, increasing fines to $800 for a second infraction and $1,500 for third and subsequent infractions. Those who knowingly attend these races and refuse to disperse as advised by law enforcement will also be subject to a $100 civil violation.

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Acting as emergency laws, the new actions will start immediately upon the mayor’s signing, indicating a quick reaction to a mounting public safety issue. These new measures, according to the City Council and the City Attorney’s Office, will significantly discourage illegal street racing and provide street safety back-off for Seattle.