Seattle City Council Considers New Street Racing Legislation
The “Belltown Hellcat” driver, Miles Hudson, made headlines when he appeared in court in Seattle and was hit with a penalty of over $83,000. Inspired by his reckless behavior, the Seattle City Council is now contemplating giving police the authority to issue $500 street racing tickets. This proposed fine would apply to both the owner and the driver of any car involved in illegal street racing, even allowing citations to be issued without stopping the vehicle.
This move comes after the Washington Legislature expanded the definition of illegal street racing last year. The updated legislation now encompasses dangerous activities like intersection takeovers, “donuts,” and racing in off-street areas such as parking lots. Hudson, a 20-year-old driver, gained notoriety for driving his Hellcat at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour through a densely populated neighborhood, disregarding the 25-mph speed limit. While residents of Belltown complained about the excessive noise produced by his car, it was the alarming speed that raised concerns.
In response to Hudson’s actions, the Seattle city attorney demanded that he pay $83,619.97 in civil penalties and other fees. Hudson failed to respond promptly to the lawsuit filed against him and was subsequently ordered by a judge to pay the fines. Furthermore, he faces potential daily penalties of $1,300 until he complies with an order to either quiet the exhaust on his Hellcat or return it to its original condition. Despite these legal implications, Hudson continues to flaunt his car’s excessive noise on his Instagram account.
During his court appearance, Hudson arrived in all black attire, with his face covered in a black ski mask and dark glasses. The prosecution requested that he remove his disguise, but the judge permitted him to keep it on. When asked about his disguise, Hudson cryptically stated that he was “kind of shiesty and feeling myself.” This behavior aligns with his previous claim to an officer that income from his social media posts had paid for his car.
When questioned about how he intends to pay the penalty, Hudson replied enigmatically, saying, “With a little bit of motion?” and suggesting that he may already have the funds. He left the court feeling “chillin'” and “composed.” Despite the penalties imposed on him, Hudson’s nonchalant attitude raises concerns about his commitment to change his behavior.
Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison highlighted the need for the pending street-racing legislation, emphasizing the rise in large street racing takeover events that endanger public safety. These events pose a hazard not only to pedestrians and cyclists but also to other drivers. The proposed civil infraction would provide law enforcement with a tool to hold vehicle owners accountable for their cars’ involvement in such events.
One of the major challenges faced by officers under current law is identifying and apprehending individuals driving illegally during street racing incidents. This task becomes even more difficult when a single patrol vehicle is dispatched to events with a significant number of cars and participants. Hudson has attempted to circumvent the restrictions placed on him by featuring in videos as a passenger while others drive his Hellcat.
If approved, the new legislation would enable officers to document license plate numbers and other identifying features of vehicles involved in illegal street racing and issue citations to the owners, regardless of who is driving. This process would resemble the issuance of parking tickets or toll violations, streamlining enforcement efforts and improving accountability.
In conclusion, the recent developments in the Miles Hudson case have brought attention to the need for stricter measures against illegal street racing in Seattle. The proposed street racing legislation aims to address safety hazards posed by large street racing events and hold vehicle owners accountable for their cars’ involvement. While the outcome of this legislation remains uncertain, it is evident that actions such as these are necessary to ensure public safety on the roads.
