South Carolina lawmakers push bill to crack down on street takeovers

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at stopping so‑called “street takeovers,” illegal events where large groups block roads while drivers perform burnouts, donuts and drag races.

Supporters of the bill say the gatherings — often compared to scenes from the Fast and Furious movie franchise — are spreading across the Southeast and beginning to take hold in South Carolina.

“This creates a huge safety hazard across our state,” said Rep. David Martin, a Republican from York County.

Street takeovers are typically organized through social media and car-related group chats, according to law enforcement. While current state law allows officers to charge drivers for specific traffic violations, lawmakers say it does not adequately address those who coordinate and promote the events.

“Two years ago, Charlotte put together a bill to put more teeth in the current laws on the books,” Martin said. “Now those people up there have come across the border.”

He added the bill, “Not only looks at the one specific incident that the person can be charged with under current law, but actually addresses the coordination. I think that’s what’s missing.”

Sally Foster, executive director of the South Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, said every sheriff’s department in the state supports the legislation. She said departments have most often seen takeovers in parts of the Upstate, along the Georgia state line, and near the Charlotte area.

“These are fine‑tuned and very souped‑up vehicles,” Foster said.

The bill would also allow law enforcement to seize vehicles involved in street takeovers — many of which are not street legal. Proceeds from selling seized cars could be used by local agencies to fund other needs.

“A lot of rural counties can’t afford some Mustangs,” Foster said. “They can seize the Mustang and use it. They can sell it and use that money toward other projects.”

JJ Jones, executive director of the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association, said he has personally witnessed the dangers posed by street racing and takeovers.

“I’ve lived it firsthand,” Jones said. “I was actually involved in one on the way back from the beach in Colleton County, where I was stopped in traffic with my family.”

Jones said traffic was brought to a standstill for about 30 minutes on Highway 21 before the South Carolina Highway Patrol arrived to shut down the road and clear the scene.

Lawmakers are working to ensure passengers who may be caught unknowingly in the middle of a takeover are protected, and only organizers and active participants would face criminal charges.

The House has already passed the bill, and it is now moving through the Senate. If senators pass the measure without changes, it will head directly to the governor’s desk. If amended, it will return to the House for another vote.

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