Councilor proposes ordinance to curb street racing with civil fines and owner‑liability options

Council member Dylan introduced an ordinance to address excessive speeding and street racing in Spokane, telling colleagues the proposal aims to define and deter dangerous street‑racing behavior on city streets.

The draft ordinance, modeled in part on a Seattle approach, would treat street racing as a civil infraction with escalating penalties: $500 for a first offense, $800 for a second and $1,500 for a third. Dylan said state law governs racing on public highways, but the city can define and penalize racing on local streets where the legislature’s definitions leave gaps.

The proposed ordinance would include conduct such as engaging another vehicle at high rates of speed. Council members discussed two legal and practical questions that staff are still reviewing: how to accept and verify video evidence submitted by the public and whether registered vehicle owners could be held responsible when the driver is not identified.

Councilors who supported the measure said higher civil penalties and sustained enforcement could deter the nighttime racing often reported by constituents; some members also suggested exploring sanctioned, lawful events to channel interest away from illegal racing.

The committee did not vote on the ordinance and asked staff to continue legal review and drafting before returning with a formal ordinance for council consideration.