In a move aimed to aggressively combat reckless driving in Milwaukee, local officials are pushing for laws that would allow for the impoundment of vehicles involved in such infractions, without regard to ownership or the driver's record. The Common Council had already adopted legislation in May 2023 to impound vehicles of reckless drivers, but as one member put it, that was "just a baby step." The same council member introduced a resolution in fall 2023 to address the issue more comprehensively, which the Council passed and the Mayor signed into law early in September 2023.
Despite the determination to curb the dangerous behavior, the drive has hit a roadblock due to state law. Until now, impoundment was only for repeat violators who are also the registered owners. A bill to change this requirement is now circulating at the state level, thanks to the efforts of local council members and State Representative Bob Donovan. "For the past 21 months, I have been pushing for a change in state law—a necessary step to give the City of Milwaukee the authority to fully enforce impoundment for reckless driving vehicles," the council member told the press.
The issue of reckless driving seems to resonate with the community at large. According to the City of Milwaukee's Police Satisfaction Study 2024 Findings Report, a vast majority (88%) of respondents expressed concern about reckless driving. Public works officials and Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) also relayed their readiness and support for the enhanced measures during the latest Public Safety and Health Committee meeting. The city's Tow Lot has been prepared with "hundreds of spots set aside" for these vehicles should the bill pass.
As legislation is pending, officials are issuing a clear message to the community. "My advice to those who don’t want to be impacted is simple: Follow the law and don’t drive recklessly," the council member states emphatically. "If you choose to ignore that, any consequences that follow are 100% self-inflicted." This approach underlines the council's commitment to take serious actions against those disrupting the city's safety. The fate of the bill and the future of this initiative now rests in the hands of state lawmakers, who will decide whether to equip MPD with these broader enforcement powers.
