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The new law is also expected to have a general impact in making state roads safer
THE nationwide crackdown on reckless driving continues with a major state’s approach to deterring the dangerous act.
United States drivers in the region will now put themselves at risk of having their car towed for any reckless driving offense, period.
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The new Wisconsin law will give police the power to tow vehicles from reckless driving offenders, period. Details such whether or not they’re first offenders or if they own the car are irrelevant under the new law.
Drivers whose vehicles are towed will need to pay fines and impound fees before retrieving their cars. For stolen cars that are towed and impounded, the rightful owner can retrieve their vehicle at no cost.
The bipartisan bill was passed unanimously by the state legislature, and gives municipalities across the state will the option to implement the new enforcement approach via local ordinances.
“Wisconsinites should feel safe in their homes, in our neighborhoods, and on our streets, roads, and highways,” said Governor Tony Evers after signing the law into effect on Friday.
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“Whether it’s distracted driving, speeding, or erratic and aggressive behaviors, reckless driving puts our kids, families, and communities in harm’s way,” he added.
Milwaukee’s Common Council is passed an ordinance giving its law enforcement this new authority on Tuesday.
Local leaders hope hundreds of reckless drivers have their vehicles towed annually under the new law. In 2024, nearly half of the state’s reckless driving deaths happened in Milwaukee.
The new law also closes loopholes in previous legislation which restricted enforcement options and were proven ineffective in the long term.
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Previously, law enforcement could only tow vehicles after a driver’s second or subsequent offense, and if they had unpaid reckless driving tickets.
Data from the Milwaukee Police Department shows that the city was able to tow roughly a dozen cars in two years under the former protocol.
Evers elaborated that tackling reckless driving has been a bipartisan goal in recent years, with the new law holding offenders more accountable and giving law enforcement quicker methods to respond with.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the Legislature to keep Wisconsinites safe on our roads and streets,” he added.
Officials also hope that the new law will deter drivers from fleeing police and partaking in street takeovers, two extremely dangerous driving practices.
LAWS affecting drivers will come into force across the US before the end of the year.
Oklahoma: November 1
North Carolina: December 1
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