Gwinnett County cracks down on street racers with new ordinance

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - If you have a need for speed, Gwinnett County said it's not the place to exercise that. The board of commissioners just approved a new ordinance with harsher consequences for drag racing on their streets.

As of Oct. 4, violators are now subject to having their vehicles impounded for up to a month. Before, disobeying Georgia's state law would result in a fine.

The County is following a precedent set by Atlanta and Sandy Springs. Both cities passed similar ordinances against reckless street racing back in 2021.

In May, Gwinnett County police and other local departments said they made more than 80 arrests and impounded at least two dozen cars for racing.

One neighbor said he had a view of it all from his home.

Jeff Schrader said he jumped his fence to record a video of the incident in May when street racers and stunt drivers blocked the intersection of Peachtree Corners and Spalding Drive while performing outrageous shenanigans.

"They are right in the middle of cars videotaping," Schrader said, "You see the cars going all around the kids, it's crazy!"

That's when police boxed in the crowd and made their plethora of arrests.

That incident and others prompted Gwinnett Police Chief J.D. McClure to urge the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners to approve the new ordinance.

"The ability to impound vehicles under a county ordinance for 30 days or until adjudication of the offense should serve as a deterrent for all offenders," said Chief McClure"

"I’m fine with that the people know that what they are doing is wrong," said Clint Tokash, a resident of Spalding Park Place.

Tokash and other residents hope the new ordinance will mean quieter, safer nights with emptier streets.

Meanwhile, Schrader is concerned the dangerous drivers will simply go elsewhere.

"Be safe," Schrader said. "Be careful, because if you hurt a friend, or you hurt yourself you’re going to regret it."