Legislation Details

Reference No. CB-012-2026    Draft No.
Type: Council Bill Status: Third Reading
Meeting Body County Council
Meeting Date 5/5/2026
Introduced Date 3/31/2026 Public Hearing Date 04/28/2026 @ 12:30 PM
Effective date:    
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING MOTOR VEHICLE TAKEOVERS AND UNLAWFUL SPEED CONTESTS for the purpose of prohibiting unlawful speed contests, exhibition driving, stunt driving or race contests consistent with State law; establishing the offense of organizing or participating in a motor vehicle takeover event; prohibiting attending a motor vehicle takeover event; providing definitions; establishing penalties; and generally relating to public safety and unlawful vehicle exhibitions within Prince George’s County.
Proposers/Sponsors: Wanika Fisher, Krystal Oriadha, Danielle I. Hunter, Eric C. Olson, Wala Blegay, Thomas E. Dernoga, Sydney J. Harrison, Timothy J. Adams, Shayla Adams-Stafford, Jolene Ivey, Edward P. Burroughs
Attachments: 1. B2026012, 2. CB-012-2026 Summary, 3. CB-012-2026 Report, 4. CB-012-2026 PAFI, 5. CB-012-2026 OOL Comments, 6. CB-012-2026 CEX Position
Contact: Ramon Gonzalez, Legislative Attorney

Title

AN ACT CONCERNING MOTOR VEHICLE TAKEOVERS AND UNLAWFUL SPEED CONTESTS for the purpose of prohibiting unlawful speed contests, exhibition driving, stunt driving or race contests consistent with State law; establishing the offense of organizing or participating in a motor vehicle takeover event; prohibiting attending a motor vehicle takeover event; providing definitions; establishing penalties; and generally relating to public safety and unlawful vehicle exhibitions within Prince George’s County.

 

Background

This bill addresses dangerous “car takeover” events in which roadways or parking lots are blocked so vehicles can perform stunts or engage in illegal racing. While Maryland law already prohibits racing, this legislation empowers law enforcement to arrest individuals who attend these events. This legislation defines takeover events, holds organizers and participants accountable, and gives law enforcement clearer authority to disperse unsafe gatherings, while protecting lawful car shows.