A new Maryland law that aims to reduce street racing and reckless driving goes into effect Saturday.
The law was passed after many neighborhoods in Maryland said they had seen and heard what they say is dangerous driving and gatherings to watch it.
The law will limit car rallies focused on drifting, screeching and tire smoking, like the one that took place in District Heights in early May and sparked the chaos and violence that killed 26-year-old John Phipps.
“These events grew larger, more frequent, and spread across multiple jurisdictions,” said Maryland Delegate Mary Lehman of District 21.
Lehman sponsored the legislation before Gov. Wes Moore signed it into law. Lehman says the bill was necessary because of the influx of in-state and out-of-state drivers coming to Maryland to participate.
“There were no real consequences at all for exhibition driving. It wasn’t even clearly defined in the law,” Lehman said. “Someone was shot and killed at one of these events, and some people were saying, ‘Oh, this was an innocent activity. These were people just looking to have fun.'”
Prince George’s County police say Phipps was shot and killed during a car rally in District Heights in early May.
Investigators announced Thursday that a second suspected shooter was arrested.
Police say they are charging Caimon Harrell, 21, with first- and second-degree murder.
Investigators say the video shows Harrell wearing red pants, opening fire into the crowd.
Maryland’s new law, which goes into effect this weekend, defines exhibition driving as:
- The operation of a vehicle near a crowd or large gathering,
- Excessive and abrupt acceleration or deceleration,
- Tires that skid, burn, or smoke.
“It’s incredibly dangerous and costly for businesses and communities,” said John Sang, president of Safe Roads Maryland.
Sang supported the bill and says the legislation provides accountability and tools for law enforcement.
“We thank Governor Moore and the Maryland General Assembly for saying, enough is enough, and the state of Maryland is going to move from a ‘before image’ to an ‘after image’ idea of security,” Sang said.
Drivers caught street racing or participating in exhibition driving will have to appear in court to face a judge.
Drivers who participate and injure another person could receive a possible one-year sentence, pay a $1,000 fine, and have their licenses suspended or revoked.
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