LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Social Services and Public Safety Committee held a proposed drag racing ordinance for further review on August 11 after council members raised concerns about language and enforcement details in the measure designed to crack down on street racing and reckless driving exhibitions.

The ordinance, recommended by Lexington's STREEET Safety Task Force, would prohibit vehicle speed contests and reckless driving exhibitions such as burnouts, doughnuts, drifting and wheelies. Violators could face civil penalties ranging from $2,250 to $4,500, with vehicles impounded for 30 days on a first offense and 60 days for repeat violations.

The proposal mirrors a 2022 Louisville ordinance that resulted in approximately 55 cars impounded in its first year. District 9 Councilmember Whitney Elliott Baxter, who sponsored the measure, said complaints about drag racing have come from across the city, particularly near Man O'War Boulevard in her district.

"This is just another tool that we will have to make our streets safer for everyone who lives, works and visits Lexington," Baxter said during the committee meeting.

City attorney Evan Thompson presented details about the enforcement mechanism, explaining that law enforcement could either immediately impound vehicles at the scene or issue a notice of future impoundment. The ordinance would take effect January 1, 2027, to allow time for training and implementation.

Council members questioned who would be responsible for violations when vehicle owners are not the drivers, and asked about using traffic cameras for enforcement. Thompson noted that video evidence could be used without requiring a live officer to witness the violation.

District 8 Councilmember Amy Beasley raised concerns about the ordinance's language, calling it "one of the rudest ordinances" she had seen and requesting removal of terminology she considered overly harsh. Thompson agreed to revise the language taken from Louisville's ordinance.

Baxter said she remains open to addressing council members' concerns while the measure undergoes additional review. "The safety of our community is very important to me," she said. The ordinance is scheduled to return to committee for further discussion on October 20.