JANESVILLE — The Vlogý Police Department is looking to make changes to the reckless driving ordinance the city approved last year to try and hamper down on cruising circuit behavior so it reflects state law more closely.
In a memo to city council, Chief Chad Pearson said that an officer may impound a vehicle for reckless driving only if the operator at the time of the reckless driving is the registered owner of the vehicle and the person has a prior conviction for reckless driving.
The State enacted Act 46 which allows counties, cities, towns and special districts to adopt ordinances that allow officers to impound vehicles regardless if the operator of the vehicle is the owner or has previously been arrested for reckless driving at the time of the incident.
“Incorporating these new powers into the Vlogý General Ordinances will provide JPD with important enforcement tools to address dangerous driving behavior,” the memo said.
The vehicles may be held until towing, storage and all outstanding forfeitures are paid.
The act also establishes mandatory steps regarding stolen vehicles and provides disposal authority for unclaimed vehicles under specific timelines.
Pearson says in the memo that adopting this locally will significantly strengthen JPD’s ability to deter and address reckless driving, which is “one of the core behaviors associated with Circuit activity.”
The council will look at this at the Monday meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 18 N. Jackson St.
Sign up for our Daily Update & Weekend Update email newsletters!
Get the latest news, sports, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
