Large unpermitted street racing events involving high speed and at times pedestrian onlookers have grown in number and size across the City of Portland. Attached below is a draft of an ordinance from Mayor Wheeler's office to put before City Council for them to comment on. Community members are also encouraged to share public comment by emailing MayorWheeler@PortlandOregon.gov.
The draft of the ordinance--and the accompanying code provision--propose that City Council approve two different misdemeanor offenses for participating in such events: unlawful street takeover and unlawful staging of street takeover events.
The new proposal would introduce penalties for those involved in street races including:
- Fines of up to $500
- Possible jail time
- Towed cars
First-time offenders, however, could avoid other penalties by choosing to participate in a diversion program approved by the District Attorney, unless the conduct results in death or physical injury as defined by ORS 161.015 to a person other than the defendant.