BigBadStang
08-22-2010, 10:40 PM
We, as enthusiasts had better get off our asses and call our representatives before this bullshit makes it into law! It's already passed the House and has been sent along to the Senate. I have no qualms with making the punishment more stringent, especially when an innocent motorist is harmed or killed, but the wording of this is far overreaching and heavy handed and leaves way too much to "officer discretion". Not to mention that anyone having N2O (nitrous oxide) installed on a vehicle used on public roadways will be illegal, and in violation, regardless of use.
This bill was introduced back in July 2009, and it's getting little to no press or opposition!
HERE (http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/analysis.cfm?ID=128_HB_191&hf=analyses128/h0191-i-128.htm) is the link to the bill and the changes. Pay close attention to the details of defining "Street Racing"!
Here is a brief copy and paste of what our elected morons are doing...
"Operation of the bill
Offense
The bill expands the definition of "street racing" to also include "any exhibition of speed or acceleration that is inconsistent with the normal operation of a vehicle on a public road, street, or highway." In addition, the bill provides that persons rendering assistance or encouragement in any form or manner to the defined competitive use of vehicles must be equally charged as participants..."
What is considered "normal operation"? Accelerating faster than the 80 year old fart next to you? Who knows?
The problem with this is that it could be considered "street racing" by revving your engine at another car, hard cornering, hard acceleration etc. AND it only has to be ONE vehicle! If you are convicted of this, the courts will be REQUIRED to confiscate your vehicle, and you will have NO recourse!
If this passes, how many car shows, cruises, or festivals do you think will avoid Ohio like the plague? Who would want to come here and take the chance they may have their pride and joy confiscated?
Do you want this kind of power/discretion/judgement in the hands of EVERY law enforcement officer in Ohio?
Please take a few minutes to find and contact your Senator and let them know what YOU think about this!
HERE (http://www.ohiosenate.gov/map.html) is a link to the Ohio district map.
HERE (http://www.ohiosenate.gov/directory.html)is a link to the listing of Senators by district and contact information.
This bill was introduced back in July 2009, and it's getting little to no press or opposition!
HERE (http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/analysis.cfm?ID=128_HB_191&hf=analyses128/h0191-i-128.htm) is the link to the bill and the changes. Pay close attention to the details of defining "Street Racing"!
Here is a brief copy and paste of what our elected morons are doing...
"Operation of the bill
Offense
The bill expands the definition of "street racing" to also include "any exhibition of speed or acceleration that is inconsistent with the normal operation of a vehicle on a public road, street, or highway." In addition, the bill provides that persons rendering assistance or encouragement in any form or manner to the defined competitive use of vehicles must be equally charged as participants..."
What is considered "normal operation"? Accelerating faster than the 80 year old fart next to you? Who knows?
The problem with this is that it could be considered "street racing" by revving your engine at another car, hard cornering, hard acceleration etc. AND it only has to be ONE vehicle! If you are convicted of this, the courts will be REQUIRED to confiscate your vehicle, and you will have NO recourse!
If this passes, how many car shows, cruises, or festivals do you think will avoid Ohio like the plague? Who would want to come here and take the chance they may have their pride and joy confiscated?
Do you want this kind of power/discretion/judgement in the hands of EVERY law enforcement officer in Ohio?
Please take a few minutes to find and contact your Senator and let them know what YOU think about this!
HERE (http://www.ohiosenate.gov/map.html) is a link to the Ohio district map.
HERE (http://www.ohiosenate.gov/directory.html)is a link to the listing of Senators by district and contact information.