Street-racing legislation zooms through House

The street-racing bill sponsored by Sen. Karen Hale, D-Salt Lake, passed the House on Tuesday and will now be sent to the governor.

The bill increases the penalties for those who are caught street racing or partaking in speed exhibitions on public roads from a class C misdemeanor to a class B misdemeanor. The bill allows law enforcement to impound an offender's car. It also calls for the suspension of the driver's license for 60 days on a first offense and 90 days on each subsequent offense.

"This is an attempt to try to reduce what is becoming more and more of a problem around the state," said Rep. David Clark, R-Santa Clara, House sponsor of the bill.

Clark referenced a KSL news report that aired last year showing street racers driving more than 130 mph on 700 East in Salt Lake City.

Rep. David Ure, R-Kamas, attempted to amend the bill to make the punishment stronger for repeat offenders, suggesting their licenses should be revoked for 180 days rather than 90.