Gladstone makes street races and sideshows illegal for spectators

GLADSTONE, Mo. — Gladstone City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Monday night, making it illegal to participate in or watch unsanctioned street races and sideshows.

Police in Gladstone say they haven’t had to deal with side shows and street racing yet, but they realize its been a big issue in other parts of the Kansas City metro.

According to a memo from Gladstone police, the unsanctioned events present a great danger to those participating and observing as well as innocent bystanders when cars race at high speeds or drive recklessly on public streets.

The new ordinance says it is an unlawful assembly whenever two or more people assemble to witness or participate in a drag race or illegal vehicle speed competition. The new section concerning spectators defines them as anyone within 200 feet of the event.

“Crowds fuel racers, racers fuel the crowds. We have to have some way to stop that it if it starts moving this direction,” Gladstone Police Chief Fred Farris said.

The new ordinance goes into effect immediately. It doesn’t define any penalties. Offenders will have to go before a judge where they decide those penalties.

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