Minnesota State Patrol, Partner Agencies to Crackdown on Street Racing and Other Dangerous Driving Behaviors
May 9, 2023
ST. PAUL — Minnesota State Patrol troopers and partner agencies will be on the roads in full force this spring and summer to stop dangerous driving behaviors across the entire state, including street racing. Multiple agencies will be working together on the ground and in the air to interrupt these intentional gatherings and make sure drivers are following the law.
“Street racing and intersection takeovers are not innocent acts. They put lives at risk, cause major disturbances to neighborhoods, and damage to private property and public roadways," said Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol. “Communities are tired of it. We are dedicated to working with our partners to keep Minnesotans safe and send a message that street racing will not be tolerated."
Street racing enforcement efforts first began in the summer of 2021. Since then, law enforcement has seen a reduction in the number of participants and gatherings due to the consistent resources dedicated to combat this dangerous activity. However, street racing continues and, in some cases, has become more aggressive with participants driving higher speeds in more populated areas.
“Illegal street racing and vehicle takeovers are not just an issue in Saint Paul but across the country," said St. Paul Police Sgt. Jermaine Davis. “These groups can display dangerous and reckless behavior that can put lives at risk. We are committed, along with our other law enforcement agencies in the metro area, to bringing an end to this illegal activity."
Street racing enforcement not only brings together officers from partnering agencies, but is also dependent on the analysts working behind the scenes to gather intelligence.
“Street racing needlessly puts Minnesotans lives in harm's way. Our analysts will continue to work to identify locations where this dangerous activity is occurring to help bring street racing to an end," said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans.
Street Racing Numbers Since March 1, 2023
- Total Stops: 365
- Total Citations: 460
- Speed Contacts: 127
- People Arrested: 20
- DWI Arrests: 10
Examples of Recent Street Racing Stops:
- A trooper stopped vehicle for weaving. A 14-year-old was behind the wheel and said he was going to a car meet in Brooklyn Center. There were six total occupants ages 14-17. A parent was called to pick up the teens.
- A trooper stopped a vehicle for going 103 mph in a 60 mph zone. This driver was cited for speed and careless driving. The same vehicle sped past a trooper a short time later. The driver was cited again for speed and equipment violations.
- A trooper observed three vehicles slow traffic on the interstate, line up, and race eastbound on Interstate 494 at more than 100 mph. Troopers stopped two of the three vehicles. Both drivers were cited for reckless driving and both vehicles were impounded.
Other Special Enforcement
In addition to street racing enforcement, the State Patrol is relaunching its Highway Enforcement for Aggressive Traffic (HEAT) and Project 20 enforcement efforts across the state. Both use high-visibility patrols to target certain areas.
HEAT
HEAT was created in February 2022 to combat excessive speeding and criminal activity around the Minneapolis area. It was extended through the end of the year and expanded to greater Minnesota. It was restarted in April 2023. During a 10-day period, troopers work four hours dedicated to speed enforcement. In addition to troopers on the freeway, the State Patrol utilizes its aviation support to ensure that a driver attempting to flee from a traffic stop is located and held accountable.
Heat Numbers Since April 1, 2023
- Total Stops: 7,434
- Total Citations: 3,594
- Speed Contacts: 6,146
- People Arrested: 60 DWI
- Arrests: 33
Examples of HEAT Stops:
- A trooper cited a driver for going 88 mph in a 70 mph zone. The driver had just received a speeding citation a few hours earlier from an Iowa trooper.
- A minor driver was cited for going 94 mph in a 65 mph zone on Highway 52 near Rochester.
- A trooper pulled over a man for driving 89 mph in a 70 mph zone. The man didn't have a valid license and had an active felony warrant out of Winona County for probation violation.
- A driver was stopped for driving 95 mph in 60 mph zone on wet roads with five people crammed inside car. The 19 year-old man was cited for speed and endangerment of life/property.
Project 20(22) and Project 20(23)
Project 20(22) was launched last May. Over several weekends through September 2022, troopers worked in teams to conduct high intensity patrols focusing on the deadliest traffic violations: speed, lack of seat belt use, distraction and impairment. Project 20(23) will kick off fishing opener weekend across Minnesota.
2023 Dates | Location |
May 12-14 | Brainerd Lakes area (fishing opener) |
June 23-25 | Metro freeways |
July 21-23 | Metro freeways |
Aug. 4-6 | I-35 Duluth area |
Aug. 11-13 | I-90 Rochester area |
Sept. 15-17 | I-94 St. Cloud area |
“Extra enforcement is having a positive impact on our roads," Langer said. “Fatal crashes dropped 10 percent last year over 2021 and are down 22 percent this year. It's a good start but too many drivers are still putting lives at risk — and it has to stop."
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nicole.roddy@state.mn.us