City officials share what reckless drivers can expect with new policy authorizing police to tow unregistered cars

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A new policy passed by the Fire and Police Commission will authorize police to tow unregistered cars if linked to reckless driving behavior.

As of last week, the policy was passed by a 5 to 1 vote from the Fire and Police Commission.

Under the new measure, police will tow vehicles that do not have license plates and have engaged in one or more infractions that are as follows:

• Reckless driving
• Speeding 25 mph above the speed limit
• Fleeing police
• Drag racing

"We've done a lot of listening to the community, we've had town halls, we've had dialogue with our elected officials, different task force and organizations. One thing we repeatedly heard over the last year is what are we doing about reckless drivers and allowing them to maintain their cars," said Nick DeSiato, chief of staff at the Milwaukee Police Department.

According to the Milwaukee Police Department, in 2021 they recorded more than 250 crashes caused by speeding. This year they've counted more than 170.

"This policy is designed of one component to a larger public safety plan to help curve reckless driving in the city of Milwaukee," said Leon Todd, executive director for the Fire and Police Commission.

Usually new policies take effect immediately, but according to the Fire and Police Commission, they wanted time to alert the public.

They're doing so by spreading a flyer that lists who the new policy targets and what reckless drivers can expect.

The policy goes into effect May 1.