Today the Wisconsin Senate & Assembly approved AB 078 / SB 65 — a game-changing law that allows police to impound vehicles used in reckless driving offenses, regardless of vehicle ownership. Those borrowing cars or driving vehicles titled in someone else’s name will no longer be protected by lukewarm laws. And neither will so-called “first-time offenders.” The days of slapping reckless drivers on the hand are nearing an end.
This is a huge win for Milwaukee and a major step toward taking back our streets. I sponsored the original Common Council file on this legislation nearly two years ago and have been pushing nonstop to get this common-sense change to the finish line. If you choose to drive recklessly, you risk losing your vehicle. Period.
Once a vehicle is impounded, if it isn’t picked up within 90 days it will be destroyed. So if you don’t have the financial means to deal with what’s coming, here’s the simple answer: drive responsibly. Our towing contractors are ready to go, and the City Tow Lot has more than 300 spaces waiting.
Let’s be clear — this isn’t a magic wand that will instantly end reckless driving. But it’s a powerful step toward restoring accountability and changing the reckless, senseless behavior we see on our streets every single day. For far too long, there have been no real consequences for this level of stupidity behind the wheel. That ends now.
This change in state law gives Milwaukee both the ability and the authority to act more effectively. The legislation earned strong bipartisan support in Madison — as it should. This isn’t a political issue, and it’s refreshing to see lawmakers put that regressive political rhetoric aside to do what’s right. It also has the support of the Badger State Sheriffs’ Association, the Milwaukee Police Association, the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, and the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association.
The legislation now goes to Governor Evers and I look forward to him signing it.
This empowers the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Police Department to finally hold reckless drivers accountable — and we will. I already have the new city ordinance ready to be adopted at our next Council meeting. As long as I’m around, I’ll keep pushing every possible angle to bring accountability and consequences to those who endanger lives and drive our streets like they’re fleeing Godzilla. We’ve gone from cold, to lukewarm, to warm — and I’m pushing for scorching-hot levels of accountability. Stay tuned.
The Big thanks to my colleagues on the Council and to every state legislator who stood behind this law. Together, we’re giving law enforcement the power they’ve needed — and making Milwaukee’s streets safer for everyone.
