Amendment #1241 to H5500

Penalties for Public Street Takeovers and Reckless Operation

Mr. Markey of Dartmouth moves to amend the bill by inserting after section 105 the following new section:—

SECTION 106. Chapter 90 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 24Q the following section:—

Section 24R. (a) For the purposes of this section, a “street takeover” shall mean a gathering of 2 or more persons on a public way or in any place to which the public has a right of access, for the purpose of performing stunts, motor vehicle racing, or other reckless operation that hinders the movement of other motor vehicles or pedestrians.

(b) Whoever participates in a street takeover by operating a motor vehicle in a reckless or negligent manner so that the lives or safety of the public might be endangered shall be punished by a fine of not more than $2,000, or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than 2 and one-half years, or both.

(c) A police officer may seize and impound any motor vehicle, including an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike, used in a violation of this section. Any vehicle so seized shall be held for not less than 48 hours. Upon a second or subsequent conviction under this section, the motor vehicle used in the commission of the offense shall be subject to forfeiture in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 47 of chapter 94C.

(d) Whoever, while participating in a street takeover, wears a mask or other device to conceal their identity for the purpose of intimidating a person or hindering law enforcement shall be punished by an additional fine of not more than $1,000 or by an additional term of imprisonment for not more than 1 year.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #1241 to H5500

Penalties for Public Street Takeovers and Reckless Operation