As of October 24, Ohio’s House Bill 56 is now in effect, increasing penalties for those involved in street takeovers and broadening the scope of illegal activities. This new legislation comes in response to a rise in street takeovers throughout Cleveland, prompting the formation of a task force and multiple arrests in recent months.
HB 56, passed in July, aims to curb dangerous driving stunts such as doughnuts, burnouts, drifting, wheelies, and other reckless maneuvers. Under the new law, even those who block or obstruct roads during these events are considered active participants and could face charges.
What was previously a misdemeanor offense now carries much stiffer penalties. Street takeover participants can now be charged with a fourth-degree felony, and in some cases, a third-degree felony depending on the severity of the violation.
Additionally, the law mandates that police departments across Ohio implement “chase policies” and provide specialized training to better respond to and dismantle street takeovers as they occur. The goal is to equip law enforcement with the tools needed to reduce the growing prevalence of these dangerous activities statewide.