Florida police on the hunt for reckless highway stuntmen in Miami

Cover photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo by Damian Morys | Flickr

Around 1 am on Friday, July 21, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Miami Regional Communications Center was notified of a disturbance on I-95 northbound near northwest 151st street — where vehicles were blocking and recklessly overtaking the roadway with illegal stunts.
​
According to a Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) release shared at 2:38 pm, participants of the highway takeover engaged in dangerous stunts, including donuts, while spectators encouraged them, ultimately endangering themselves and those on the road around them.

"Roadway takeovers are not a sport; they are not entertainment. FHP and our law enforcement partners are reviewing footage to identify those involved in the event this morning," said FHP Colonel Gary Howze II. "Your Florida Highway Patrol will enforce the traffic laws that keep you and your family safe, and the individuals who participate without thought or care for those around them will be identified."

In October 2022, Florida law was enacted to curtail the dangerous rise in street-racing incidents on Florida roadways, the release states, citing Florida Statute 316.191, which outlaws racing on streets and highways, street takeovers, and stunt driving. The law bans unsanctioned drag racing, street takeovers, drifting, wheelies, burnouts, and donuts.

Cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, and other wheeled vehicles are prohibited from participating in any “street takeover, stunt driving, race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or exhibition of speed or acceleration on highway, roadway, or parking lot.” under Florida law.
Drivers, passengers, organizers, and promoters can all be charged with first-degree misdemeanors. Spectators can be issued a non-criminal infraction pursuant to Statutes, which can include civil penalties and fines of up to $5,000.

If you encounter illegal street racing, stunt driving, or a roadway takeover, the FLHSMV recommends that you:

• Remain calm
• Do not engage with the participants
• If possible, safely pull over to the side of the road
• Report it to local law enforcement

To report street racing, stunt driving, or a roadway takeover call *FHP (*347) or 911 and you will be immediately routed to the nearest dispatch center. If you have information regarding an upcoming event or can identify participants of this most recent incident, FLHSMV asks that you email [email protected] and send any corresponding screenshots or documentation.

For additional information on street racing, roadway takeovers, and stunt driving visit the FLHSMV's webpage on street racing, takeovers, and stunt driving here.

To read the release in its entirety, click here.
Article by Rachael Volpe