Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign S.10059-A seeking to amend the vehicle and traffic law in relation to motor vehicle speed contests, sideshows, and street takeovers.

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Res. No. 492 ..Title Resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign S.10059-A seeking to amend the vehicle and traffic law in relation to motor vehicle speed contests, sideshows, and street takeovers. ..Body By Council Members Ariola, Wong, Schulman, Louis and Morano Whereas, A street takeover can be defined as an unauthorized gathering where drivers block off public roads to perform stunts or exhibitions in front of a crowd; and Whereas, Individuals who partake in vehicular activities that involve, promote, and facilitate the violation of vehicle and traffic laws are subject to penalization in the State of New York; and Whereas, According to an April 2026 Legal Clarity article, takeover events impede passageways by enclosing the street with participating vehicles to take turns doing stunts such as burnouts, doughnuts, or wheelies; and Whereas, These takeover events are loud and can be a noise disturbance in residential areas, as an October 2025 Stateline article explains, revving engines from high-performance and modified cars, screeching tires, and “at some takeovers, people may even ignite fireworks as exhaust smoke fills the air, adding to the chaos.”; and Whereas, These events create dangerous conditions for pedestrians, emergency responders, spectators, and other drivers, possibly resulting in serious injury or harm; and Whereas, Other instances of unlawful conduct can occur at street takeovers such as property damage and illegal possession or discharge of illegal firearms; and Whereas, A May 2026 article from MSN mentions that seven individuals were arrested at a Bronx car meetup, facing charges such as criminal possession of a weapon, and the weapons have since been seized; and Whereas, Stricter penalties for individuals who partake in illegal street takeovers could bring more compliance to vehicle and traffic laws, reduce the burden on law enforcement, and bring peace of mind to residents of NYC neighborhoods; and Whereas, Public safety in NYC can be best upheld by the laws that protect communities impacted by these events and equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to deter these illegal activities and enforce safety; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign S.10059-A seeking to amend the vehicle and traffic law in relation to motor vehicle speed contests, sideshows, and street takeovers. MRM LS #23630 05/22/2026

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