As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
BURNOUT
A driving technique or maneuver (also known as a "peel out"
or "power brake") where the driver spins a vehicle's wheel(s) while
keeping their vehicle stationary and the resultant friction often
causes the tires to heat up and smoke.
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L. No. 32-2022]
DOUGHNUT or DONUT
A maneuver performed while driving a vehicle that entails
rotating the rear or front of the vehicle around the opposite set
of wheels in a continuous motion often causing the tires to emit smoke
from friction and creating a circular skid mark pattern of rubber
on the road surface.
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L. No. 32-2022]
DRIFTING
A driving technique where the driver intentionally oversteers
with loss of traction while maintaining control and driving the car
through the entirety of a corner. This act or activity can also be
defined as that of steering a vehicle so that it makes a controlled
skid sideways or power slide through a turn with the front wheels
pointed in a direction opposite to that of the turn. This action can
sometimes further be referred to as a "power slide."
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L. No. 32-2022]
ENGAGE (or AID or ABET)
Actions or circumstances that reasonably indicate that a
race, vehicle sideshow, contest, or stunt behavior has occurred or
is imminent, including, but not limited to: an explicit invitation
to race; the presence of a marked starting or ending point; the presence
of a canister appearing to hold nitrous oxide attached to a vehicle;
wagering on the race's outcome; the exhibiting of stunt behavior;
acting as a starter or flag person; pushing vehicles to a starting
line; directing traffic or persons at such an event or gathering or
the presence of filming and/or video equipment to set up for viewing.
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L. No. 32-2022]
INSTRUMENTALITY OF AN OFFENSE
A vehicle, the use of which contributed directly and materially
to the commission of an offense as defined in this article.
OFFENSE
Engaging in a speed contest or race as prohibited by § 1182
of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law.
PARTICIPATE or PARTICIPANT
To take or have a part or share in, partake in, share in,
partake in, take part in, indulge in, contribute in, engage in, concur
in, participate in, be a party to, compete in, and undertake in and
participate in profits to an event such as a race, exhibition, contest
or show. "Participate or participant" herein shall further include
either the wagering on the outcome of the race, exhibition or contest
of speed or stunt behavior, or the taking of specific overt actions
encouraging the people engaging in said event as well.
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L. No. 32-2022]
RACE or DRAG RACE
A race or speed contest between two or more vehicles traveling
side by side at an accelerated speed in an attempt to overtake or
pass each other over a specific distance or time. A race or speed
contest can also consist of one or more vehicles traveling over a
shared course to compare vehicle speeds or acceleration over a specific
distance or time.
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L.
No. 32-2022]
REVVING
A maneuver performed while driving a vehicle that entails
the increasing of revolutions per minute of the crankshaft of an engine
of a vehicle whether or not the vehicle is in motion, thereby causing
unreasonable noise.
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L.
No. 32-2022]
SEIZING AGENCY
The law enforcement agency seizing the instrumentality of
an offense.
SIDESHOWS
Illegal car sideshows or takeovers involve driver(s) performing
a maneuver or stunt for entertainment or competition purposes, such
as burnouts, power slides, donuts, wheelies, drifting, or even the
making of excessive loud engine noises, revving, or the using of illegal
loud noise mufflers.
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L. No. 32-2022]
STREET RACING
A speed competition or contest, without sanction, authority
or permit by any governmental entity, between vehicles or an accelerated
contest or drag race or a test of a vehicle operator's physical endurance
in conjunction with a drag race, a show of speed or acceleration,
or an attempt to make a speed record.
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L.
No. 32-2022]
STUNT BEHAVIOR
Operating a vehicle in a public place or public highway,
or on private property open to the public, in a manner which unreasonably
interferes with other persons' use of public streets or roadways,
or produces excessive vehicle noise, or endangers the health or safety
of the public or the vehicle operator or its passengers, by accelerating
a vehicle at a high rate of speed or performing any of the maneuvers
defined within this section.
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L.
No. 32-2022]
WHEELIE
Raising a vehicle to the degree that one or more wheels lose
contact with the ground.
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L.
No. 32-2022]
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L.
No. 32-2022]
A. Except as provided in the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law,
no person shall participate or engage in any race, sideshow, or stunt
behavior involving a vehicle(s), or aid or abet in such event, on
any public highway, sidewalk, or any public or private parking lot
or area.
[Amended 6-6-2023 by L.L. No. 23-2023]
B. Except as provided in the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law,
no person shall participate in any event or gathering held for the
purpose of a race, sideshow, or stunt behavior involving a vehicle(s)
or aid or abet in such event, on any public highway, sidewalk, or
any public or private parking lot or area.
[Amended 6-6-2023 by L.L. No. 23-2023]
C. Except as provided in the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law,
no person shall operate, drive or park a motor vehicle, whether or
not in motion, unless the number plate is easily readable and is not
obstructed by any part of the vehicle, its equipment, or anything
carried thereon, including the operator or a passenger.
[Added 7-26-2022 by L.L.
No. 32-2022]
In addition to seizure or forfeiture of the vehicle(s) involved, a violation of the above prohibition in §
818-26.1A shall constitute a misdemeanor and be punishable by imprisonment of not more than six months or a fine of not more than $600, or both such fine and imprisonment. A violation of §
818-26.1B shall also constitute a misdemeanor and be punishable by imprisonment of not more than 60 days. A second or subsequent violation of §
818-26.1A committed within 10 years of a violation of §
818-26.1A or
B shall be punishable upon conviction by imprisonment of not more than one year or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both such fine and imprisonment. A second or subsequent violation of §
818-26.1B committed within 10 years of a violation of §
818-26.1A or
B shall be punishable upon conviction by imprisonment of not more than 120 days. A violation of §
818-26.1C shall constitute a violation punishable by imprisonment of up to 15 days or a fine of not more than $250, or both such fine and imprisonment.
The County Attorney shall issue and promulgate such rules and
regulations as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this
article.
This article shall apply to all actions occurring on or after
the effective date of this article.
This article shall be null and void on the day that statewide
or federal legislation goes into effect, incorporating either the
same of substantially similar provisions as are contained in this
article, or in the event that a pertinent state or federal administrative
agency issues and promulgates regulations preempting such action by
the County of Suffolk. The County Legislature may determine via mere
resolution whether or not identical or substantially similar statewide
legislation has been enacted of the purposes of triggering the provision
of this section.