Tacoma City Council unanimously passes ‘spectator ordinance’ to reduce street racing

TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma is cracking down on street racing and reckless driving. Under a new city ordinance, anyone caught just watching someone do donuts could pay up to $1,000 and spend a month in jail.

“A maximum of 30 days, so we’re not putting people’s housing and their work at risk,” said Tacoma City councilmember Kiara Daniels, who voted yes.

In fact, there was no opposition, and Tuesday night the amended ordinance passed with a unanimous vote.

“There aren’t a lot of times where I can say that a policy that we passed will save someone’s life,” said Tacoma Mayor, Victoria Woodards.

Law enforcement, can start working under the new ordinance beginning May 1. It applies to anyone attending an “unlawful speed event.”

Tacoma City Councilmember, Sarah Rumbaugh tells KIRO 7, the new police chief suggested the spectator ordinance.

“Preventing spectator attendance removes the motivation for performing for audiences,” said Rumbaugh. “We’ve tracked over a dozen instances of spectators being injured or even killed at these events due to cars spinning out and losing control.”

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