Seattle is cracking down on street racing with a proposed $500 ticket, court upholds penalties on “Belltown Hellcat” driver
Introduction
Seattle has been facing issues with illegal street racing, particularly in Belltown, where 20-year-old driver Miles Hudson, known as the “Belltown Hellcat” has been causing trouble by driving his Hellcat at high speeds through city neighborhoods. Despite being hit with over $83,000 in penalties, Hudson continues to flaunt his car on social media. In response to this, the Seattle City Council is considering imposing a $500 fine on the owners or drivers of cars involved in illegal street racing, regardless of whether they are caught in the act. This new measure aims to address the rising safety hazards posed by large street racing events in Seattle.
Subheading 1
Proposed $500 ticket for illegal street racing
The Seattle City Council is mulling over a new law that would allow police to issue a $500 ticket to the owner or driver of any car involved in illegal street racing. The fines could be imposed on the vehicle’s owner or the person behind the wheel, giving police the authority to cite them without even stopping the car. This new measure is a response to the escalating issue of street racing taking over intersections, performing dangerous stunts, and racing in off-street areas like parking lots.
Subheading 2
“Belltown Hellcat” faces penalties in court
Miles Hudson, dubbed the “Belltown Hellcat,” has been charged with reckless driving for speeding through city neighborhoods in his Hellcat. Despite pleas of not guilty, Hudson has been ordered to pay over $83,000 in civil penalties and is subject to further daily penalties until he complies with an order to reduce the exhaust noise on his car. The court upheld the penalties, but Hudson continues to showcase his antics on his Instagram account, raising concerns about his disregard for the law.
Subheading 3
Unmasking the “Belltown Hellcat”
During his court appearance, Hudson wore a black ski mask and dark glasses, refusing to reveal his face despite the prosecution’s request. When questioned about his disguise, he cryptically responded by claiming to be “kind of shiesty and felling” himself. Hudson has also hinted at the income from his social media accounts funding his car and appeared unconcerned about how he would cover the penalties, suggesting he may have the means to do so.
Subheading 4
Safety concerns prompt new legislation
The proposed street racing legislation aims to address the safety hazards posed by large street racing events that endanger pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers. If passed, the law would enable officers to issue citations to the owners of cars involved in illegal street racing based on license plate numbers and other identifying features, regardless of who is driving the vehicle. This would provide law enforcement with a more effective tool in combating illegal street racing events.
Subheading 5
Enforcement challenges and solutions
Current law requires officers to identify and apprehend the driver involved in illegal street racing, which can be challenging during large events with numerous cars and participants. The new legislation would streamline the process by allowing officers to cite the owners of cars based on identifying features, similar to how parking tickets or tolls are issued. This shift in enforcement tactics could help curb illegal street racing activities and hold vehicle owners accountable for their involvement in these events.