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Kentucky Bill Targets Street Racing With Fines, Jail Time and Car Forfeiture

Committee action will determine whether Kentucky expands Louisville’s six-month impound model statewide.

Overview

  • House Bill 425 was filed Jan. 16 by Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton and is backed by five sponsors, including Rep. Jason Nemes.
  • The proposal sets a $1,000 fine for a first offense and $2,000 for a second, allows up to 30 days in jail, and mandates at least six months of vehicle impoundment.
  • Vehicles used in illegal racing could be forfeited to the state for destruction or sale at public auction after repeat offenses.
  • The measure mirrors a 2022 Louisville ordinance that permits six-month impoundments, which local police highlighted by crushing a seized car in September.
  • Opponents question destroying property and suggest donating seized vehicles to charity, as the bill awaits a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee after a similar effort failed last session.