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Street takeovers are a dangerous phenomenon. Drivers, rather than committing comparably pedestrian offenses like speeding or reckless driving, combine it all into one, road-conquering event. These events all but shut down streets and present a safety concern for bystanders and motorists. Now, police departments are cracking down on takeovers by penalizing drivers and confiscating cars. 

Street takeovers are a huge problem, and participants are losing their cars

We all love raucous car stuff. I mean, burning rubber, rev-limiter donuts, and well-executed drifts are simply spectacular. However, street takeovers are hardly the right place to show off your skills. Unlike track days, drag strips, and Autocross events, takeovers have no protocols for emergencies and could result in injuries or death. As such, any serious injury could become life-threatening with compromised access to emergency services. 

For instance, one infamous takeover in Los Angeles resulted in a bystander getting violently struck by a car in a hit-and-run. Another event in Connecticut saw a takeover participant blocking and dancing on an ambulance. However, while law enforcement chose not to intervene in Connecticut, other police departments are targeting the cars and drivers in these impromptu events. 

According to WAVE News, Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) officers recently added five vehicles to the list of confiscations following a massive street takeover over Labor Day weekend. The takeover itself shut down city streets as drivers in Dodge Chargers and other vehicles performed donuts, burnouts, and other flamboyant tricks. Fortunately, the Labor Day takeover reportedly didn’t result in any injuries or deaths.

Following the event, LMPD officers confiscated 25 vehicles and issued citations to offenders. As for the latest confiscations, police impounded a convertible S550 Ford Mustang and a convertible E46 BMW 3 Series. However, it wasn’t all sports cars and coupes. Several are the picture of mundane; A Chevrolet Silverado, a Chevrolet Malibu, and a Ford Escape were among the confiscated vehicles.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).