Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs legislation curbing illegal street racing

Gov. Greg Abbott signed two bills into law to crack down on illegal street racing and takeovers, which he said pose a serious threat to public safety. 

The new laws, HB 1442 and HB 2899, give law enforcement and prosecutors more tools to go after offenders and deter them from reoffending. They allow police to seize and impound vehicles used in reckless driving and street racing even if there is no property damage or injuries. 

Abbott was joined by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw at a signing ceremony in Fort Worth. They warned illegal street racers not to violate the law. Parker called on social media companies to ban posts promoting illegal street racing gatherings. 

HB 2899 is currently in effect. HB. 1442 will go into effect on Sept. 1, 2023.