Prince George's Councilmember Fisher Proposes Bill Criminalizing Illegal Car Rally Attendance

Spectators who knowingly show up to watch illegal car rallies, street takeovers, or high-speed races in Prince George's County could face up to 60 days in jail and fines starting at $1,000 under legislation that cleared a key committee Thursday and now heads to a full council vote in the coming weeks.

Council Member Wanika Fisher, who represents District 2 and chairs the Council's Public Safety, Health, and Human Services Committee, introduced bill CB-12-2026 at a press conference Thursday morning at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo. Her committee took up the measure at 1:30 p.m. the same afternoon and passed it out, setting the stage for a vote before the full council.

"These types of dangerous and illegal car rallies pose a serious threat to public safety," Fisher said. "As Chair of the Public Safety, Health, and Human Services Committee, it is my duty to protect our community. Anyone who has anything to do with these unsafe events, including people who knowingly and willingly show up to watch, deserves to be punished. We need real penalties to deter this kind of behavior in Prince George's County."

The bill would be the first in Maryland to criminalize attendance at these events, rather than limiting prosecution to drivers and organizers. Fines for a first offense would start at $1,000, with a second offense rising to $2,000. The measure also includes stricter penalties if anyone is injured during an event, bringing county enforcement in line with existing state law.

The push follows a recent surge of illegal car takeovers across Maryland that have produced shootings, injuries, damaged police cruisers, and high-speed chases across county lines. A Virginia man faced charges after one such rally in the state, and two arrests were made during a separate crackdown in Maryland.

Prince George's County Police Department officials lined up behind the proposal. PGPD spokesperson Brian Fisher confirmed the department supports the bill. Major David Hansen, also of PGPD, said these events routinely produce crimes that go far beyond traffic violations. Chief George Nader had previously told 7News that his officers need tougher laws to stop the rallies.

The measure builds on state-level action from 2023, when Maryland enacted stricter rules against "exhibition driving," covering dangerous moves like drifting and burnouts. Fisher's bill extends the county's reach to crowds that organizers and police say help fuel the gatherings in the first place.

While the full council vote is still weeks away, PGPD is already directing residents with tips to Prince George's County Crime Solvers, which offers up to a $500 reward for information that prevents an illegal car rally. Tips can be submitted anonymously around the clock at pgcrimesolvers.com, by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or through the P3 Tips mobile app.