New Connecticut Law Increased Penalties for Street Takeovers

 Posted on July 11, 2025 in Criminal Law

Over the past few years, police officers and government officials in Connecticut have raised concerns about street takeovers. These informal events that block traffic on streets are illegal, and law enforcement officials believe that they involve dangerous activities that could put people at risk. Because of the potential issues, the Connecticut legislature recently passed a law that increases the penalties for people who are involved in street takeovers.

While participating in street takeovers could lead to arrests and penalties, there are some situations where people may be wrongfully arrested because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Those who are facing charges related to street takeovers will need to understand what steps they can take to avoid serious penalties. An attorney with experience in criminal law, traffic charges, and offenses involving public disturbances can provide representation in these cases, working to help resolve these issues and minimize the effects on a person’s life.

What Are Street Takeovers?

Car enthusiasts and people who get together with others to ride motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, and other vehicles may sometimes participate in large gatherings in public locations. In some cases, people may block traffic on public roads or intersections to participate in street racing or similar activities. In many cases, these street takeovers involve stunts or other actions that may be considered dangerous, such as drifting, donuts, burnouts, or wheelies. People may also engage in speeding, dangerous weaving, and driving unsafely near pedestrians.

Because of the risks involved in these activities and the disruption to the flow of traffic, law enforcement officials have taken steps to crack down on those who participate in street takeovers. When doing so, they may perform arrests and confiscate vehicles. However, they believe that additional action is needed, and they have been requesting that lawmakers take steps to address this issue.

Increased Penalties for Street Takeovers

The Connecticut legislature recently passed a bill that is meant to address street takeovers, and Governor Ned Lamont signed this bill into law. This law does not directly prohibit street takeovers, but it does allow municipalities to create ordinances that impose fines for people who participate in these activities. These ordinances may impose fines of up to $1,000 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second offense, and $2,000 for a third offense. People may be fined if they organize or participate in street takeovers or even if they gather to watch these activities.

Police are also allowed to seize the vehicles of people who participate in street takeovers. Under one new provision in the law, a dirt bike or mini-motorcycle that has been seized may be destroyed if it has not been collected by its owner within 90 days. Previously, police departments were required to auction off these vehicles, and while that is still an option, they may now take steps to remove them from the streets permanently.

People who are charged with participating in street takeovers may also have their driver’s licenses suspended. Under the new law, a first or second offense will result in a suspension lasting 45 days, and any subsequent offenses will result in a two-year suspension.

Contact Our Connecticut Traffic Charges Defense Lawyers

While getting together with others to celebrate car or motorcycle culture may be an enjoyable activity, the increased focus on street takeovers could lead you to be arrested if police believe you are causing a public disruption or nuisance or endangering the safety of others. The penalties you could face in these situations can cause you a great deal of difficulty, so it is important to determine your options for defense. At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, our Hartford criminal defense attorneys can provide you with legal representation, and we will work to minimize the ways your life will be affected by these charges. Contact us today at 860-290-8690 to arrange a free consultation.