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Lincoln council adopts ordinance declaring certain racing and reckless driving a public nuisance
Summary
The Lincoln City Council voted 6-0 to amend Title 10 of the municipal code to create a new chapter on nuisance vehicles, allowing impoundment and other tools to address racing and reckless driving; council members asked for a one-year data review of enforcement impacts.
The Lincoln City Council on Monday adopted an ordinance creating a new chapter in the municipal code to declare certain racing and reckless driving a public nuisance and allow impoundment for repeat or listed violations.
The 6-0 vote followed a lengthy public hearing and council discussion about enforcement discretion, community safety, and how to measure the ordinance’s effects. Chair Eric Carlson called the item for a third reading and the roll call ended with the motion carried unanimously.
Council members said the ordinance responds to sustained complaints about dangerous nighttime driving, particularly along O Street. Councilman Steve Bowers said the behavior has “made people feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods” and described recent crash statistics: “Since 2019, we've had over 700 nighttime crashes and over 800 injury crashes related to this behavior.” Councilman Beckias, who introduced the ordinance, asked for a follow-up review with Lincoln Police Department data after one year, saying: “Just informally request that counsel and LPD follow-up, let's say, in a year with data and just see, how this code change is impacting Lincoln and, evaluate, it going forward too.”
Other council members urged the police to exercise discretion and emphasized education and outreach alongside enforcement. Councilmember comments included calls to monitor speed limits on problem corridors and to rely on data to assess whether the ordinance reduces noise and dangerous driving.
The ordinance amends Title 10 to add new definitions and a chapter (10.43) on nuisance vehicles, and it ties violations of listed city ordinances and Nebraska statutes to possible impoundment. Council discussion cited input from the Lincoln Police Department, neighborhood associations, businesses and residents.
Council members said they expect the law to be one of several tools — including public education and potential traffic-calming measures — to improve safety on city streets. The ordinance passed by a unanimous 6-0 vote.
A year after enactment, council members asked that city attorneys and the Lincoln Police Department provide data on enforcement actions, impounds and traffic outcomes so the council can evaluate the ordinance’s impact.
