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Sioux Falls council adopts ordinance to allow permitted exhibition driving events
Summary
The City Council approved an amendment and adopted an ordinance to permit certain exhibition driving events off city roadways under a police-issued permit; the change preserves existing road-use prohibitions and creates a no-cost permit process administered by the police traffic section.
The Sioux Falls City Council on March 11 adopted an ordinance to allow restricted exhibition driving events off city roadways and approved a change to remove two instances of the word “public” in the code.
Sergeant Travis Olsen, Sioux Falls Police Department traffic section supervisor, told the council the ordinance clarifies a long-overlooked prohibition and adds a permit process for off-road, insured events such as autocross competitions and motorcycle exhibitions. “The only proposed change to the Exhibition Driving Ordinance solely allows permitted events by the police department off the roadway in Sioux Falls,” Olsen said.
The measure amends city code chapters on traffic, nuisances and streets and sidewalks to create a mechanism for organizers to run short, cone-course events and other controlled exhibitions on private property under police oversight. Olsen said the ordinance does not change enforcement for engine noise, tire squeal, skid or slide on public streets: “These things ... still remain illegal and will remain so.”
Councilors asked how the permit would be handled and whether the city would charge a fee. Olsen said the Sioux Falls Police Department would process permits and the department planned the permit to be free. Council Member Sighetty asked for clarification on the permit process; Olsen said his office would largely handle applications and did not intend to charge a fee.
Council Member Spellberg moved to approve the second reading and adoption; Council Member Sigurdi seconded. A motion to amend—removing two instances of the word “public” in section 96.185—was offered and adopted by roll call, 8-0. The main motion to adopt the ordinance passed on roll call, 8-0, with all council members voting yes.
Supporters on the council praised the change as providing a legal outlet for hobbyists and reducing the risk of unpermitted “underground” driving events. Council Member Barranco thanked staff and said the ordinance would be “a definite benefit to the city.”
The ordinance creates a police-issued permit for specified exhibition driving events on private property, preserves existing prohibitions on dangerous driving on public streets, and charges no permit fee. The council adopted the ordinance 8-0 and approved the textual amendment 8-0.
