Fargo Continues To Look At Ways To Crackdown on Dangerous Driving and Nuisance Vehicles

Commissioners also voted to lower the speed limit on a section of 52nd Avenue South

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Fargo city leaders are still looking for ways to crackdown on dangerous driving and loud vehicle and muffler issues.

Police Chief Dave Zibolski says laws need to be adjusted.

Current fees for speeding and dangerous driving are low compared to Minnesota and he says they are not a deterrent.

Penalties for exhibition driving are $50 and $100 for drag racing and cant be raised due to state law.

He says registration suspensions for “fix-it” citations including illegal loud mufflers is a long process and there is limited staff.

“The importance of deterrence and having a significant penalty for those that don’t follow the law is extremely important,” said Zibolski.

“We have an urban issue versus in small communities. So it may be just arguing okay if you’re a city this size, then you can enhance your fines or do something different,” said Mayor Tim Mahoney.

Zibolski and the city attorney’s office is tasked with coming back to the commission with precise ways to enhance local ordinances and make a push for state legislative changes in the laws.

Commissioners also voted4-1 to lower the speed limit on 52nd Avenue South from I-29 to the Sheyenne River from 45 to 40 miles per hour.

It goes into effect next Tuesday.