New Vehicular Nuisance Ordinance Targets Reckless Driving Complaints In Aurora: PD

AURORA, IL — A newly approved ordinance in Aurora will make it easier for police to tackle the "steadily increasing" incidents of reckless driving, officials said.

In Aurora, reckless driving calls rose by 45 percent between 2020 and 2024. Last year alone, police responded to 2,477 reports of reckless driving, 335 drag racing complaints, and "multiple incidents" involving injuries and property damage, according to a July 11 Facebook post from the Aurora Police Department.

The Aurora City Council approved the vehicular nuisance ordinance May 27, making it illegal to participate in street racing, stunt driving or sideshows, and unlawful vehicle caravans or rallies.

The ordinance defines a street sideshow as an event where cars block a road to make way for drivers to perform stunts, race or show off their vehicles. Unlawful rallies are described in the ordinance as gatherings of 10 or more people and four or more cars between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m., while caravans are explained as three or more cars coordinating and traveling together that disrupt the flow of traffic, break traffic laws or threaten public safety.

The ordinance does not consider funeral processions, official motorcades and permitted parades unlawful.

The new ordinance allows police to fine drivers at least $1,000 for the first reckless driving offense. Cars previously deemed nuisances could see fines of $2,500, police said. Officers will now also be able to cite vehicle owners after the fact, based on evidence gathered in investigations.

"This ordinance is about improving safety on our roads and holding participants responsible — not just in the moment, but after the fact," the post reads.