Senate panel approves street-racing measure

When Sen. Karen Hale, D-Salt Lake, saw a KSL news report last year about the prevalence of street racing in Utah, she knew something had to be done about it.

Almost a year later, Hale's solution took its initial step in the Legislature, gaining the approval of the Senate Transportation, Public Utilities and Technology Committee on Wednesday.

"We have seen a steady increase of this highly risky and dangerous behavior," Hale said. "The penalties have not been able to address the issue and have not been able to curb the problem." Currently, the only penalty for street racing is a fine. But if SB193 is enacted, anyone who is caught street racing would lose his or her driver's license for 60 days and have his or her car impounded. Sen. Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, voted against the bill because he thinks the penalties in place are already sufficient.

"If a young guy gets caught exhibition speed racing, yes, they get the fine, but their they're insurance rates go up. They could lose their insurance altogether. all together. I view those as substantial enough."