The Portland Police Bureau is releasing a Public Service Announcement highlighting a new city ordinance (14A.30.080) aimed at addressing the ongoing issue of street takeovers, and is announcing upcoming enforcement missions. The video, which is being released on our YouTube page today, features Chief Chuck Lovell.
Street takeovers are events where participants use a highway or premises open to the public (such as the grounds surrounding buildings or dwellings, streets, sidewalks, bridges, tunnels, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, and parking lots) in order to engage in exhibitions of speed or street sliding. Street sliding involves one or more persons demonstrating, exhibiting, or comparing the maneuverability or power of one or more motor vehicles in a curved direction, in a circular direction, or around corners, including but not limited to by breaking traction in a curved or circular direction or around corners. Chief Lovell notes that our community has repeatedly asked for police to address the problem, which has been occurring for years.
The ordinance became effective last month. It can be read here:
https://www.PortlandOregon.gov/Police/StreetRacing
The Portland Police Bureau will be conducting upcoming enforcement missions, involving PPB officers as well as other law enforcement partners including Oregon State Police and Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.
Those found in violation of this new ordinance, whether involved or assisting with blocking off the area for the street takeover, face a jail sentence of up to 30 days, a $500 fine, and the vehicle involved may be towed. These sanctions are in addition to criminal charges or violations applicable under existing Oregon law.