Lowell City Council looking at low-riding cars to crack down on racing

LOWELL, Mass. — Lowell is looking to crack down on low-riding cars and racing along its streets.

The city council is set to discuss the legal status of low-riding cars in the city at its December meeting Tuesday night.

In a November meeting, Lowell City Councilor Jim Leary asked the city manager to gather a report on “the status of low-riding cars in the city.” The report is to include the enforcement required for their legality.

According to meeting notes form the city council, a fine for an ‘altered height’ vehicle is $35 and 42 citations were issued for that in the city between Sept. 2016 and Nov. 2017.

The city council also compiled a list of citations it says often overlap with low-riding vehicles, like loud mufflers, excessive window tint and tires that extend beyond the fenders.

In total, 365 citations were issued for these analogous infractions, which range in price from $50 to $250.

“In the past there has been low riding Motor Vehicle clubs that will congregate in different areas in the city for the purposes of racing,” the city council wrote in its request to City Manager Kevin Murphy.

The city council says Massachusetts State Police have been working with Lowell Police to combat the problem, but the council is expected to review the report and discuss options at its meeting Tuesday.

MORE: Lowell officials debate banning jet skis from portion of Merrimack River

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