Ohio Has A Tough New Anti-Street Takeover Law

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Street takeover participants and spectators in Ohio could be facing fines and jail time, thanks to a new law. This is one of the latest examples of state officials tiring of the lawless behavior of takeovers or “sideshows” as some call the gatherings, passing new laws which target them specifically.

Watch Ohio police arrest an 8-year-old for car theft.

Ohio House Bill 56 passed unanimously in the Senate in late June after it passed in the House back in December 2023. Governor DeWine signed that bill into law almost immediately, thanks in no small part to public outcry about the illegal takeovers.

The new law adds “stunt driving” to the definition of street racing. That means anyone caught doing burnouts, donuts, drifting, or wheelies on public roads can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. That means it’s no longer just a traffic offense but instead is a criminal charge with the possibility of up to six months in jail.

Not only do takeover participants get harsher penalties, spectators face the same exact legal consequences. Considering many in the crowds film the illegal stunts and post them on social media, plus they egg on participants to do increasingly dangerous maneuvers, we think that’s appropriate.

Also included in the new law is a fourth-degree felony charge for anyone who willfully evades law enforcement using a motor vehicle during a takeover event. If an individual does that after committing another felony, it’s enhanced to a third-degree felony.

Laws  like these which increase penalties not only for drivers and their passengers participating in street takeovers but also people who stand there and watch the illegal event should help cut down on the trend.

However, it will also require prosecutors to not cut sweetheart deals for the takeover crowd. They need to feel the sting of their dumb, illegal hobby so maybe they find a legitimate way to have fun on the weekend.

Image via Local 12/YouTube

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