In May 2023, the Common Council adopted legislation allowing MPD to impound vehicles involved in reckless driving. However, as I’ve said from the beginning, that law was just a baby step—a move in the right direction but not nearly strong enough to truly address the problem. That’s why, in the fall of 2023, I introduced a resolution to go further, calling for the impoundment of vehicles used in reckless driving regardless of ownership or whether the offender was a repeat violator. My immediate adoption resolution (File #230557) was passed by the full Council on September 1, 2023, and signed by the Mayor on September 6, 2023.
However, a key weakness remained: State law still required that the offender be both a repeat violator and the registered owner of the vehicle for impoundment to occur.
For the past 21 months, I have been pushing for a change in state law—a necessary step to give the City of Milwaukee the authority to fully enforce impoundment for reckless driving vehicles. With the help of State Representative Bob Donovan, I have been working to strengthen that lukewarm law, removing unnecessary restrictions so that reckless driving vehicles can be impounded regardless of ownership or the driver’s prior record. The only exception would be for stolen vehicles, ensuring that innocent owners are not unfairly penalized.
At the state level, a bill has been introduced and is now in the hands of our state lawmakers, hopefully starting the process of providing MPD with additional tools to combat reckless driving more effectively.
Stronger enforcement is necessary because reckless driving continues to wreak havoc across Milwaukee. It puts lives at risk, drains city resources, and places a heavy burden on families and communities. Simply put, it makes our city less safe.
The public overwhelmingly supports action. According to the City of Milwaukee Police Satisfaction Study 2024 Findings Report, 88% of respondents expressed concern about reckless driving—proof that this is not just my frustration but a widespread demand for change.
During today’s Public Safety and Health Committee meeting, we heard directly from the Department of Public Works that the city’s Tow Lot is ready, with hundreds of spots set aside for these vehicles. MPD has also voiced support, welcoming this additional tool to help address reckless driving.
My advice to those who don’t want to be impacted is simple: Follow the law and don’t drive recklessly. If you choose to ignore that, any consequences that follow are 100% self-inflicted.
