Public Safety Director Tim Kozel told the Muskegon City Commission at a work session Monday that staff are proposing a local ordinance to address large vehicle gatherings that escalate into racing, “donuts” and other dangerous driving.

The ordinance would let officers identify participants, send a written cease-and-desist warning, and—if the same vehicle is involved again within a year—impound the vehicle and pursue criminal penalties. Kozel said, “it also is considered a misdemeanor offense if you are also are involved in that that second time.”

The city drafted the measure after several summer incidents and by reviewing ordinances used in other Michigan cities. Kozel said staff saw about five calls this past summer involving groups of vehicles that required police response and noted similar events have occurred in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.

The draft ordinance defines the event, clarifies who may be held responsible (participants and those who aid or abet), and includes a range of enforcement steps. Kozel told commissioners the rule is intended to be “another tool in our officers’ toolbox” so police can notify vehicle owners and, when the behavior continues, protect both the public and participants from potentially fatal incidents.

Commissioners asked about several aspects of enforcement and scope. Commissioner German sought confirmation that warning letters would be sent to the owner of a vehicle captured on camera; Kozel said letters would go to the registered owner or the identified participant depending on the evidence. Commissioner Kochan asked whether the ordinance applies only to city residents; Kozel replied it applies to events that occur within the city regardless of the owner’s residence. Commissioner Kildall asked whether officers must witness infractions before issuing notices; Kozel said enforcement will often be driven by public calls but that proactive observation and evidence collection will also support notices and further action.

The draft ordinance includes a definition intended to be broad enough to cover more than “donuts,” Kozel said, describing behaviors such as intentionally slamming on brakes or performing maneuvers “performed recklessly for the purpose of entertainment, stunt driving, or show.” The urgency language in the draft also contemplates incidents involving at least two vehicles.

The draft ordinance sets criminal penalties for violations, including a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine; city staff said typical practice gives judges discretion in sentencing. Commissioners confirmed the impoundment remedy is tied to repeat involvement within a 1-year period after a warning letter is issued.

Kozel and commissioners emphasized the ordinance is intended to deter dangerous gatherings and to avoid creating dangerous enforcement encounters; Kozel said officers will not engage in high-risk pursuits and the notice-and-impound approach allows enforcement after the fact. Vice Mayor Sinclair and other members asked whether the city could avoid becoming a regional destination for such events; Kozel said the ordinance and coordinated enforcement aim to prevent that outcome.

The commission did not vote on the draft at the work session. Kozel said the ordinance will appear on the commission’s consent agenda for a formal vote at the next meeting.

Ending

The draft will return to the commission for a formal vote on the consent agenda; the work-session discussion focused on definitions, enforcement mechanics, evidence collection, and the balance between deterrence and public-safety risk.