Broomfield adopts vehicle-nuisance ordinance to target street racing; civil impoundment allowed

BROOMFIELD ' The Broomfield City Council on May 26 adopted a vehicle-nuisance ordinance that creates a civil pathway to abate vehicles used in organized street-racing and other dangerous driving events, in addition to existing criminal enforcement.

Deputy Chief AC Stson told the council officers have tracked a marked increase in organized unlawful vehicle activity across the Denver metro area and in Broomfield: about 90 incidents in 2025 and roughly 40 incidents so far in 2026. Stson said the events produce enforcement challenges because participants move locations, conceal vehicles and sometimes elude officers. He described the ordinance as a strategic response that focuses on the vehicle as the enforcement tool in addition to prosecuting drivers.

City and County Attorney Nancy Rogers outlined the municipal-court civil process the ordinance establishes: police investigate and identify vehicles used in qualifying events, the city files a municipal complaint, the court determines probable cause and may order impoundment or other abatement measures. Rogers said the city must prove a vehicle is a public nuisance by a preponderance of the evidence; permanent seizure and costs could be ordered in a trial on the merits. The ordinance includes provisions for immediate impound in high-risk situations and for 'non-involved' owners to seek expedited release if they can establish nonparticipation.

The ordinance targets a narrow set of dangerous behaviors described in the text, including extreme speeding (thresholds described by staff), speed contests, vehicular eluding, reckless driving and obstructing roadways. Supporters in the audience urged adoption as a regional stop-gap; some speakers asked that the city consider complementary "carrot" measures such as sanctioned venues or diversion programs for participants.

On second reading the council also adopted the 2024 Model Traffic Code for Colorado as part of the package. Council member Hankle moved the ordinance; Council member Cohen seconded. The measure passed unanimously, 8-0.

City staff said the ordinance is intended to be a tool layered on existing criminal enforcement and that the city will use outreach and media to notify the public about the new civil remedies and trespass-signage programs for private property owners.