Spectating at Illegal Race Contest or Exhibition of Speed.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 101-20.7
in effect101-20.7. Spectating at Illegal Race Contest or Exhibition of Speed.
1. INTENT. It is the intent of the common council in the interest of public safety and welfare to prevent illegal street racing contests and spectating at those illegal events.
2. DEFINITIONS. In this section and s. 101-20.8:
a.
“Racing event” means any unauthorized motor vehicle speed contest or exhibition of speed prohibited under s. 346.94 (2), Wis. Stats.
b.
“Spectator” means a person who is knowingly present for the purpose of viewing, encouraging, recording, or otherwise attending a racing event or street takeover as it occurs or while preparations are underway. Factors that may be used to determine whether a person is a spectator include:
b-1.
The person’s relationship to the participating driver or vehicle.
b-2. Evidence of gambling or wagering.
b-3. Filming, live-streaming, or posting the event on social media.
b-4. Coordinating arrival or location through social media or group messaging.
b-5. Any other circumstance indicating an affirmative choice to attend.
c.
“Preparations” means any of the following acts done for a racing event or street takeover:
c-1. The arrival of a group of motor vehicles and persons at a predetermined location.
c-2. The presence of a group of individuals along one or both sides of a public highway.
c-3. The impeding of one or more person’s free use of a public highway by action, word, or physical barrier for conducting the racing event.
c-4. The presence of one or more motor vehicles with motors running for a racing event or street takeover.
c-5. The revving-up of motor vehicle engines or spinning of motor vehicle tires by drivers on a public highway in preparation for a racing event or street takeover.
c-6. The appearance of an individual stationed near one or more motor vehicles as a race or street takeover starter.
d.
“Street takeover” means blocking or impeding the regular flow of vehicle or pedestrian traffic on any public roadway, highway, intersection, or parking facility, or on private property that is open to the general public, for the purpose of stunt driving, racing, or creating a public hazard through reckless driving. The term does not include parades, marches, demonstrations, or other assemblies that are authorized by permit or otherwise protected by law.
e. “Stunt driving” means performing or engaging in burnouts, doughnuts, drifting, wheelies, or allowing a passenger to ride either partially or fully outside of a vehicle while it is in operation.
f.
“Organizer” means a person who intentionally plans, promotes, or facilitates a street takeover or racing event, including through social media, messaging applications, or other communications, or who coordinates meeting locations, routes, or logistics.
g.
“Participant” means a person who operates a vehicle, knowingly rides as a passenger, or otherwise engages in activities that contribute to a street takeover or racing event.
h.
“Aider or Abettor” means a person who assists in the planning, coordination, or physical execution of a street takeover or racing event, including by blocking traffic, directing vehicles, acting as a starter or spotter, providing fuel or equipment, or otherwise enabling the event to occur.
3. SPECTATING PROHIBITED. No individual shall knowingly be present as a spectator at a racing event or street takeover, or where preparations are being made for a racing event or street takeover, with the intent to be present at the racing event or street takeover. An individual shall be considered to be present if that individual is located within the area of the event or its preparations.
4. PENALTY. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a penalty of not less than $500 and no more than $1,000 together with the costs of prosecution, and, in default of payment thereof, shall be imprisoned as provided by law.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-1/CH101.pdf#page=11Fetched: 10/26/2026