PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — Senators voted 25-9 today (Monday) to crack down on street racing in South Dakota.
The bill would make it illegal to do burnouts, drag races, or blocking streets for racing. People caught racing could face jail time.
“When vehicles go too fast on public roads, serious crashes can happen,” said Sen. Sue Peterson, R-Sioux Falls.
Sioux Falls officials asked for the bill to combat motorcycle and car racing on some of the city’s busiest streets.
But some lawmakers worry the bill could hurt tourism, especially in Sturgis.
“Most of what this bill talks about happens all year in western South Dakota,” said Sen. Helene Duhamel, R-Rapid City.
Sioux Falls-area senators backed the bill because of racing problems near baseball fields.
“I’m watching my kid play baseball, and here go the street racers by,” Sen. Tom Pischke, R-Dell Rapids, said.
Senate Bill 116 lists what activities count as illegal racing. Organizing races would be the most serious crime. Police would need to prove drivers were racing, not just speeding.
The bill now moves to the House for more debate.
