City Officials Announce Proposal to Reduce Dangerous Driving

Published on March 13, 2025

Suggested changes to municipal codes designed to increase driver safety

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, City Councilmember Tom Beckius, and Lincoln Police Chief Michon Morrow today said proposed changes to municipal codes designed to reduce dangerous driving in Lincoln will improve the health and safety of community members and support the high quality of life residents expect. A public hearing by the City Council regarding the proposed changes is scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday, March 24.

“I fully support this proposal because it gives our police officers a greater ability to hold reckless drivers accountable and keep them – and their vehicles – off the road. That means safer streets, safer neighborhoods, and a better quality of life for everyone in our community,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said.

Beckius said Lincoln Police Department data shows that since 2020, dangerous driving activities have contributed to more than 700 nighttime crashes, over 800 injury crashes, and six fatalities on “O” Street alone. He said the changes to Lincoln Municipal Code provide law enforcement with updates that are better understood, more enforceable and offer additional options for removing dangerous drivers and their vehicles from the road.

“Dangerous driving causes not only physical harm but also secondary issues like noise disturbances, trespassing, vandalism, thefts, and assaults,” Beckius said. “This ordinance will help convey a clear message that Lincoln’s roadways are not to be used for dangerous driving activities. Public safety continues to be job number one for us as city leaders.”

Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird, Councilmember Beckius, and Chief Morrow at the news conference was Mary Unger, Prescott Neighborhood Association Board Member.

The proposed changes to various sections of the Lincoln Municipal Code include updated definitions for “racing” and “race tracks” and the addition of a new section defining “disorderly vehicles” that outlines penalties for violations. Highlights of the proposed changes are as follows:

Definition updates

The term “racing” would replace “speed contests” and its definition would be updated to be more comprehensive. Racing would be prohibited in the following locations:

• Any street or highway within the city limits
• Any public or private parking lot open to public use
• Any park, cemetery, grounds, or other similar public or private property open to public use

All operation of race tracks would be prohibited unless specifically approved as a special permitted use in specific zoning. Those convicted of racing in prohibited areas would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in Lancaster County jail.

Addition of a new section

Code changes would also include the addition of a new section called “Suppression of Nuisances; Disorderly Vehicles.” A disorderly vehicle would be defined as any motor vehicle where unlawful or illegal acts are committed, such as racing or reckless driving.

Drivers of disorderly vehicles cited for racing, illegal racetracks, reckless or willful reckless driving, or fleeing to avoid arrest could have their vehicles subject to immediate impoundment. Police officers would have discretion on impounding a vehicle depending on the specific circumstances.

Disorderly vehicles impounded for a first offense would be towed to the City’s contracted lot, Capitol Towing, 101 Charleston St., where it could be immediately released to the registered owner of the vehicle. Those cited for a second and subsequent offenses would have the vehicle impounded and released to the registered owner after a mandatory 10 days.

As is the case with all towed vehicles, tow and impound fees would be paid to the impound lot. Typical fees are $57 for towing, a $50 administration fee, and a storage fee of $8 per day. Large or specialty vehicles could be charged higher fees.

Chief Morrow said although LPD has conducted additional enforcement and used air surveillance by the Nebraska State Patrol to reduce dangerous driving on “O” Street and other high traffic areas, too many dangerous driving violations continue.

“Dangerous driving impacts lives, property, and the peace of our community. We think the code changes provide us better tools to address these important traffic safety issues,” Morrow said.

Unger thanked Mayor Gaylor Baird, the City Council, LPD staff and the rest of the City team for their work to maintain a high quality of life in Lincoln neighborhoods.

“Safe and thriving neighborhoods are one of the key reasons that Lincoln is such a wonderful place to live,” Unger said. “LPD does a wonderful job supporting our community, and these new changes will give them more ways to do an even better job.”