Farmington police put a stop to street racing

FARMINGTON, NM – Street racing is a concern in other parts of the state, too, especially when kids are out and about in the summer.

“We did as much as we could, but our numbers were a problem for us,” said Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe.

Farmington police are now taking tougher action against street racing by shifting the focus to specific officers.

“We are basically re-creating a traffic unit. We will have two officers and a sergeant to specifically target speeders and street racing,” Hebbe said.

Hebbe says there has actually been a significant increase in road racing since COVID-19, but it seems to get worse every summer.

“I think the public in general has shown less tolerance for the noise and speed in the last year, last year and six months,” Hebbe said.

Farmington Police will focus on specific parts of the city.

“It hits us in different places, sometimes on Main Street, Pinon Hill, sometimes on 20th,” Hebbe said.

Hebbe believes that reporting street racing and speeding by the public can help prevent tragedies.

“We have had so many fatal accidents in recent years that could have been completely avoided. So the police will do their best, but it also depends on each individual driver,” said Hebbe.

Street racing can result in fines of up to $1,000. It is also considered a misdemeanor and can result in up to one year in jail.