New data from the Milwaukee Police Department shows 17 reckless drivers have had their cars towed in the first two weeks of a new city ordinance that allows police to tow vehicles of any reckless driver — even if it’s their first offense.
The legislation, signed into law less than a month ago, updates the state’s previous law which only allowed police to tow vehicles after a driver’s second or subsequent offense with unpaid tickets. MPD data shows officers were only able to tow 11 cars in two years under the former law. It only took 16 days to surpass that number under the new law.
Prior to November 5, a majority of reckless drivers in Milwaukee were sent on their way with a ticket. Now they have to hand over their keys. To date, it’s happening more than once a day according to MPD data.
Reckless drivers caught by police not only have to find alternative transportation, they have to pay nearly $500 to get their cars back. The cost breaks down to $313 for a reckless driving citation, $150 for the tow and $25 a day for storage. That adds up to $488 if they get their car back on the same day.
That’s the case even if the car doesn’t belong to the driver. Those who had their cars stolen can get them back with no charge…