The Jefferson City Council is set to address a significant public safety issue regarding minibikes and stunt driving. A vote on proposed ordinances to ban these activities will take place on Monday. The measures aim to enhance safety on city streets and respond to growing public concerns.
Minibikes Regulation
The proposed ordinance defines a minibike as a two-wheeled motorized vehicle that is not classified as a bicycle or registered for street use with the Missouri Department of Revenue. This definition encompasses various types of small motorcycles, such as:
- Dirt bikes
- Mini-motorcycles
- Mini-bikes
- Pocket bikes
- Pit bikes
- Trail bikes
However, it excludes mopeds and electric scooters. The ordinance mandates that minibikes operated on public property must adhere to the city’s noise regulations. Violators would face fines of
- $75 for a first offense
- $150 for second or subsequent offenses
If a police officer stops a minibike rider, the vehicle must not be driven away, and could be:
- Towed to an impound lot
- Loaded by the owner into a vehicle
- Pushed away by the owner
Police Chief Eric Wilde highlighted that the reckless use of minibikes has led to increased safety complaints from residents.
Stunt Driving Prohibition
In addition to minibikes, the council seeks to ban stunt driving. The proposed regulations would outlaw activities such as:
- Burnouts
- Donuts
- Wheelies
- Street racing
- Street takeovers
Fines for stunt driving would escalate with repeated offenses, starting at:
- $100 for the first offense
- $200 for the second offense
- $400 for third or subsequent offenses
The first and second offenses would be classified as misdemeanors, while third and subsequent offenses would be categorized as Class E felonies.
Other City Council Considerations
The City Council’s agenda also includes a proposal to amend the process for filling council vacancies. This change follows the recent resignation of former Ward 3 Councilman Derek Thomas. Important points regarding this amendment include:
- The appointee would serve until April 2027.
- The amendment aims to simplify the nomination process.
- The mayor would be excluded from the nomination process.
Other items on the agenda include public hearings and decisions on various rezoning requests, shared costs for new 911 software, and a study of the city’s public transit system.
The upcoming vote signals Jefferson City’s commitment to promoting public safety and maintaining orderly streets.
