Street Racing, Exhaust Noise Targeted In Rockville, Gaithersburg

ROCKVILLE, MD — Forty-two people were ticketed Tuesday as part of a traffic crackdown that targeted excessive speed, aggressive driving and street racing in Rockville and Gaithersburg.

Officers from Maryland State Police Rockville Barracks, Gaithersburg City Police, Rockville City Police, Montgomery County Police and Maryland Transportation Authority Police conducted the initiative.

"Many of these types of vehicles gather at non-permitted car shows and other locations within City limits and other parts of the County," a Gaithersburg Police Department news release said. "These loud and racing vehicles pose a traffic safety risk and affect the quality of life of our residents and visitors."

The release said authorities stepped up enforcement because of civilian complaints about excessive exhaust noise and dangerous driving. Police targeted Maryland Route 355, from Professional Drive in Gaithersburg to Edmonston Drive in Rockville.

Police stopped 105 people during the evening on Tuesday and issued:

• 42 citations
• 101 written warnings
• 41 safety equipment repair orders
• 2 civil citations

This isn't the first time police have tried to crack down on unsafe driving in the area. The same departments ran the same traffic initiative in April, which resulted in 125 citations and warnings, 29 safety repair orders and two criminal arrests.

Last November, "Operation Gas Can" intended to curb street racing and excessive exhaust noise in the county. Police said in a news release at the time it was in response to resident complaints, and that it was the fourth initiative of its kind last year.

Keep up with other recent Montgomery County police and crime stories:

• Encounters With Police Topic Of Montgomery Co. Hearing On June 14
• Man Drowned In Potomac River Near Scott's Run: Montgomery Police
• Rockville Woman's Kidnapping, Assault Ends In Arrest: Police
• Food Truck Found Vandalized, Stripped: Beltway Bistro Owner

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