AUSTIN, Texas — Texas during the legislative session took action to end so-called street takeovers, which are disruptive and highly dangerous.

If this past weekend’s events are any indication, participants aren’t easily dissuaded.

The Austin Police Department responded to several such incidents Saturday night into Sunday morning:

  • Police responded to teenagers doing spin-outs in a parking lot near the intersection of Payton Gin and Ohlen Road. Teens were hanging out of windows. Approximately 40-50 vehicles were involved in the takeover. Texas DPS responded as well.
  • From there, police said, drivers moved to the intersection of Barton Springs and South Lamar. They continued driving dangerously and used illegal fireworks. Police cleared the area.
  • The group then moved to a parking lot in the 9900 block of South IH 35 SVRD Southbound. Police monitored to make sure nothing illegal took place.
  • The group then moved to 8600 block of North MoPac Expressway, where police monitored the situation.
  • Police then received reports of multiple drivers at the 400 block of Center Ridge Drive. When police cleared the area, they moved to 600 block of Center Ridge Drive. At that location, 21 vehicles were raced in a parking lot, according to police. Officers cleared the area.

Earlier this month, five people were arrested in Fort Worth in connection to a street takeover and police chase.

In February, a chaotic scene unfolded in Austin. A series of street takeovers resulted in two people being taken into custody. A police officer was injured and police vehicles were damaged.

Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this summer signed House Bill 1442 and House Bill 2899. The first bill provides more tools to prosecutors and law enforcement to combat illegal street takeovers and racing. It will go into effect on Sept. 1. House Bill 2899, which is already in effect, allows police to immediately remove and impound vehicles involved in street takeovers and illegal races.