The Montgomery County Council is hearing public testimony Tuesday on a bill that would ban street racing and vehicle takeovers on county roads, months after a takeover in Chevy Chase left two police cruisers damaged and rattled the neighborhood.
Bill 27-26, sponsored by Councilmember Andrew Friedson, would prohibit participation in unlawful speed contests, exhibition driving, stunt driving and street takeovers on public highways and roadways. The legislation would also define key terms and establish penalties for violations, though specific fine amounts have not been made public.
“Residents deserve to feel safe on our roads and in their neighborhoods,” said Friedson. “This bill gives law enforcement the clarity and authority needed to intervene earlier, disrupt these coordinated events, and keep people out of harm’s way. Street takeovers endanger everyone involved, drivers, spectators, and our officers, and we must ensure MCPD has strong, modern tools to address this growing threat.”
The public hearing begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Council Office Building in Rockville. It is a hybrid session, meaning residents can testify in person, by phone at 240-777-7803, or by submitting written, audio or video testimony through the council's website.
Why it matters locally
The bill comes after a street takeover on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the intersection of East West Highway and Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase. According to Montgomery County police, dozens of vehicles blocked the intersection shortly after midnight and performed high-speed donuts while onlookers stood in the roadway.
Two marked police cruisers were vandalized during the incident. In one case, an officer was seated inside when the rear window was shattered and the windshield smashed. No officers were injured.
Before the caravan reached Montgomery County, Prince George's County Police and Maryland State Police recovered three handguns during related traffic stops. The 2nd District Investigative Section led the investigation and asked the public for help identifying those involved.
What the bill would do
Friedson introduced Bill 27-26 in June. According to the council's official agenda, the measure is meant to create a county law consistent with recent state legislation. The Maryland General Assembly had already increased penalties for racing and speed contests and prohibited exhibition driving under certain circumstances; Bill 27-26 would mirror those prohibitions at the county level.
As of this week, the council had received two written testimonies on the bill.
What's next
The council has not announced a specific vote date for Bill 27-26. The Bethesda Beacon will report the outcome in a follow-up story.
Residents with information about street takeover activity can contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at www.crimesolversmcmd.org or call 1-866-411-8477. Tips may remain anonymous, and information leading to an arrest could qualify for a reward of $250 to $10,000.
