Spokane City Council adopts ordinance targeting aggressive speeding and street racing

The Spokane City Council adopted Ordinance C36883, which defines aggressive speeding and street racing and enacts a new chapter of the Spokane Municipal Code, after a period of public comment and council discussion.

Council member Dylan, who led the presentation of the measure, said the city lacked local definitions to address reckless driving and that the ordinance was drafted to fit within state law while giving local officers additional enforcement options. "We know the dangers of street racing, and illegal street racing in Spokane, aggressive speeding, all too well," he said, urging the council to provide "another tool for law enforcement." He thanked staff members Ginny Ramos, Abby Martin and Chris Wright for drafting and research support.

Residents and stakeholders offered differing perspectives during public comment. Brian Meggie, a West Central resident and chair of the West Central Traffic Safety Committee, said his neighborhood is "impacted by excessive speeding from a multitude of different arterials and other residential streets," described generational trauma his family suffered from a traffic fatality and urged the council to pilot the ordinance on corridors such as North Ash and North Maple.

RJ Naomi, general manager of Kalispa Raceway Park in Airway Heights, told the council that a sanctioned raceway is a safer place for organized racing than public streets, noting wider lanes, no cross traffic or pedestrians, on-site emergency crews and equipment requirements for participants. "Our facility is set up for racing, so it is a lot safer," Naomi said, and described offering safety apparel and track personnel to reduce risks.

Council discussion acknowledged the ordinance is not a complete solution but would add enforcement options alongside the reinstated mobile traffic unit and existing camera tools. One council member said this would help deter activity or push it outside city limits; another emphasized continued need for implementation and enforcement.

The council voted to adopt Ordinance C36883 by voice vote; the motion passed on the record with a 7-0 tally. The ordinance includes a new SMC chapter (as introduced on the council floor) and will provide municipal definitions and penalties intended to support police efforts to reduce street racing and aggressive speeding.

The council did not record specific amendments during the meeting; staff and the city attorney will proceed with final codification steps and implementation logistics.