Ordinance Drawn To Combat Surge Of Drivers Attempting To Evade APD

AURORA, IL — An Aurora ordinance was drafted in April to combat a surge in drivers' attempts to evade police.

Aurora police issued a news release Monday to remind the community of the new ordinance, passed in April, to curb an increase in dangerous incidents of fleeing and eluding.

Officials reported 76 attempts in 2019, 118 in 2022 and 126 in 2023.

"For safety reasons, our officers sometimes must terminate pursuits, which leaves the registered vehicle owner as the best person to identify and prevent the misuse of their vehicle," police explained.

The new ordinance states that if an officer has probable cause to believe someone used a vehicle to flee or elude police, the registered owner can be charged. Violations will then be adjudicated before an administrative hearing officer, and a violation notice will be issued based on information from the Illinois secretary of state.

The fine for a first offense is a minimum of $1,000, and subsequent violations will see an increase of at least $1,000 per offense.

"This ordinance aims to deter fleeing and eluding incidents, save police resources, and enhance public safety," police said. "Let's work together to make Aurora safer for everyone."