Title
Ordinance Establishing New City Code Sections, Chapter 36, Sections 36-70.01 Through 36-70.04, for Impoundment of Vehicles Cited for Racing or Reckless Driving (Ordinance G-6822)
Description
This Ordinance creates City Code sections to allow for impoundment of vehicles for up to 30 days for violations of Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.), sections 28-708 (street racing) or section 28-693 (reckless driving), and a process for post-impoundment storage hearings, and allowing earlier release for exceptions for non-owner drivers, rentals and stolen vehicles.
Report
Summary
The proposed City Code sections will authorize police to impound vehicles for up to 30 days when the driver is cited under A.R.S. section 28-708 (street racing) and A.R.S. section 28-693 (reckless driving). The Police Department has revised Operations Order 6.6, Towing and Wreckers, to address situations which involve these citations, and specifically to address situations encountered by the Street Racing Task Force. This Ordinance is not intended to apply to single vehicle speeding, but instead instances involving competition or spectators.
The proposed City Code provisions further provide for post-impoundment storage hearings and exceptions for early release of impounded vehicles. Vehicles may be released to owners showing proof of title who were not present or driving the impounded vehicle. Exceptions also include owners with proof of rented or stolen vehicles.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee approved presentation of an Ordinance establishing new City Code provisions for 30-day impoundment and post storage processes at the Dec. 9, 2020 meeting by a vote of 3-1.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by City Manager Ed Zuercher and the Law Department.