(A) The City Council finds that there is a significant risk to the health and safety of the community caused by drivers who abuse their privilege to operate vehicles on the public streets and thoroughfares of Albuquerque by engaging in racing, drag racing, exhibition driving, road rage taunting and other activities as defined and prohibited by this Article. The City Council finds that the problems addressed by this Article are matters of unique local concern which are not being adequately deterred by general statewide laws, in part, because monetary penalties alone do not deter nuisance drivers. The temporary seizure or forfeiture of the vehicle of a nuisance driver are appropriate remedial measures that will provide safer streets in the City of Albuquerque.
(B) The Council further finds that the vehicles of nuisance drivers cause considerable property damage, bodily harm and loss of life in the City of Albuquerque. The danger, noise, fear and distraction produced and caused by nuisance drivers leads to immeasurable harm to the community. The noise and distraction generated by nuisance vehicles interferes with drivers' ability to detect and respond to dangerous or emergency driving conditions and circumstances including but not limited to horn noise and the siren noise of official emergency vehicles. The purpose of this Article is to abate the nuisance caused by the use of vehicles by irresponsible drivers by employing progressive sanctions including temporary loss or permanent forfeiture of the vehicle.
(Ord. 42-2002)