Shocking Surge: Kansas City Faces Spike in Minibike, ATV, and Street Racing Crashes
As warmer weather settles over Kansas City, a troubling pattern is emerging: a sharp rise in illegal vehicle activity, including minibike and ATV use on public roads and organized street racing. These reckless behaviors have already caused catastrophic injuries, wrongful deaths, and serious risks to public safety, especially as schools let out and teens spend more time outdoors.
At Kendall Law Group, our Kansas City personal injury and wrongful death trial lawyers are standing with victims and families affected by this dangerous trend, while also sharing steps you can take to stay safe and seek justice.
Why This Surge Is Happening Now
Several factors are fueling the spike in dangerous vehicle use:
- Warm Weather and School Breaks: Spring and summer bring longer days, open roads, and idle time for many teenagers, often without adult supervision. These conditions create an ideal environment for illegal vehicle activity.
- Social Media Coordination: Street racing and group rides are increasingly organized via Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, making it easier for large groups to gather and avoid police detection.
- Lack of Supervision: Without consistent parental oversight or structured activities, some youth turn to risky, unauthorized vehicle use, often with no helmets, no licenses, and no understanding of traffic laws.
Recent Incidents in Kansas City
Juvenile Critically Injured on Minibike in Northland
A teenager sustained life-threatening injuries after running a stop sign and crashing into a Toyota Avalon while riding a minibike without a helmet in a Northland neighborhood (Fox4KC). The incident reflects the deadly consequences of mixing unlicensed riders with illegal vehicles.
Man Killed in Street Racing Crash
A Kansas City man lost his life when illegal street racers ran a red light and struck his vehicle (Here KC). Others were injured. The drivers now face serious criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter.
KCPD Officer Injured in ATV Hit-and-Run
A Kansas City police officer was seriously injured by an ATV rider attempting to flee a traffic stop (KCTV5). The ATV, like many seen on city streets this season, was not legal for road use.
Missouri and Kansas City Laws on Minibikes, ATVs, Dirt Bikes & Similar Vehicles
Know the Law. Protect Your Family
| Vehicle Type | Street Legal? |
| Minibikes | ❌ No |
| ATVs | ❌ No |
| Dirt Bikes | ❌ No |
| Pocket Bikes | ❌ No |
| Mopeds (<50cc) | ✅ Limited |
| Scooters (>50cc) | ✅ Yes |
| Street Racing | ❌ No |
Minibikes, Pocket Bikes, and Dirt Bikes
These are generally not street-legal unless they are modified and registered as motorcycles with the Missouri Department of Revenue.
RSMo § 301.010: Defines “motorcycle” and vehicle classifications
RSMo § 301.020: Requires registration of all motor vehicles used on public roads
RSMo § 307.128: Allows for motorcycle headlamp modulation and outlines labeling requirements for auxiliary lighting.
RSMo § 307.183: Mandates that every bicycle and motorized bicycle be equipped with brakes capable of stopping the vehicle within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.
RSMo § 307.185: Specifies lighting and reflector requirements for bicycles and motorized bicycles when operating during certain hours.
Minibikes must be titled, insured and fully equipped to be considered street-legal motorcycles.
ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)
RSMo § 301.010(3): Defines ATVs as vehicles with ≤50cc, ≤600 lbs., ≤50 inches wide
RSMo § 304.032: Prohibits ATV use on public roads except:
- To cross a roadway at a 90-degree angle
- For agricultural purposes
- If a local ordinance explicitly allows use
RSMo § 577.001: Defines offenses related to careless and imprudent operation
RSMo § 307.198: Helmets required for riders under 18 years of age on ATVs
In urban areas like Kansas City, ATV use on public streets is strictly prohibited unless otherwise authorized by ordinance (which Kansas City does not currently allow).
Street Racing, Reckless Driving & Criminal Charges
RSMo § 304.010.2(5): Makes Street racing unlawful
RSMo § 577.010: Defines “Driving While Intoxicated”
RSMo § 565.024: Involuntary manslaughter applies when a fatality results from recklessly operating a vehicle, including during illegal racing
RSMo § 304.022: Failure to yield to law enforcement (used in ATV hit-and-run cases)
Kansas City, Missouri Code of Ordinances
Sec. 70-1 – Definitions Under the City’s Traffic Code
Section 70-1 provides key definitions used throughout Chapter 70 of Kansas City’s Code of Ordinances, which governs traffic and vehicle regulations. These definitions are essential for determining the legality of vehicle use, enforcement authority, and applicable penalties.
Notable Vehicle Definitions:
Street or Highway: The full width of any public roadway maintained by the city for vehicular travel, including intersections and rights-of-way.
Motor Vehicle: Any self-propelled vehicle not operated exclusively on fixed rails. This includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, and scooters.
Motorized Bicycle (Moped): A two- or three-wheeled device:
- With an automatic transmission, and
- An engine ≤ 50cc, producing ≤ 3 gross brake horsepower, and
- Capable of speeds ≤ 30 mph on level ground.
These are not classified as motorcycles but still require adherence to specific licensing and safety rules.
Motorcycle: A motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the rider and designed to travel on no more than three wheels. Must meet full registration, licensing, and equipment requirements for street use.
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV): Defined by Missouri state law (RSMo § 301.010) and referenced by the city, an ATV is a motorized vehicle designed for off-road use, usually having three or four wheels, with a width ≤ 50 inches.
Prohibited Use of ATVs, Minibikes, and Similar Vehicles
Sec. 70-253 – Driving on Sidewalk, Park, or Other Public Property
This section states that no person shall drive any vehicle, other than by human power, upon a sidewalk, sidewalk area, park, or other public property, except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway
Street Racing and Reckless Driving
Sec. 70-365 – Racing on Streets and Highways
This section prohibits any person from driving or engaging in any vehicle on a street or highway in any drag race or speed competition or exhibition of speed or acceleration.
Sec. 70-366 – Spectator or Unlawful Assembly at Drag Race or Speed Competition
Kansas City law makes it unlawful to knowingly attend or be present at an unauthorized drag race, speed contest or exhibition of speed on any public roadway within the city.
What Constitutes a Violation:
A person is considered in violation if they:
- Are knowingly present at an illegal racing event (as a spectator), and
- Intend to observe, support or encourage the race, speed contest or exhibition.
This law does not require proof that the spectator participated in the race, only that they were present with awareness and intent to observe and support it.
Sec. 70-368 – Vehicle Impoundment for Street Racing and Related Offenses
Under Kansas City’s Code of Ordinances, § 70-368 authorizes law enforcement to impound vehicles involved in illegal street racing or speed contests, even without an immediate arrest, provided there is probable cause.
When Can a Vehicle Be Impounded?
A vehicle may be seized and impounded if a judge issues a warrant based on probable cause that the vehicle was used in:
- A drag race
- Speed contest
- Exhibition of speed or acceleration
- Or any unauthorized street racing activity
The judge must find sufficient cause that the vehicle was directly involved in violating Kansas City traffic ordinances related to reckless or dangerous driving behaviors.
Duration and Process:
- The vehicle can be impounded pending investigation, prosecution, or other legal proceedings.
- Owners may be required to pay impound fees and storage costs to recover their vehicle.
This ordinance strengthens enforcement by giving KCPD the ability to remove dangerous vehicles from circulation, even when the driver flees the scene or is not immediately apprehended.
Penalties for Street Racing in Kansas City
In August 2024, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas introduced new legislation aimed at curbing the growing threat of illegal street racing. As Mayor Lucas stated, the goal is to “make it clear: our priority is keeping people—participants, spectators, and passersby—safe, and illegal street racing activities will be met with tougher legal consequences.”
Following this initiative, the Kansas City Code of Ordinances (Chapter 70) was amended. Specifically, Sections 70-365, 70-366, and 70-368 were repealed and replaced with updated provisions that impose more severe penalties for those involved in street racing, whether as drivers or spectators.
Here’s what the updated penalties include:
For Drivers Involved in Street Racing:
- First Offense: Fine up to $150 and/or up to 30 days in jail
- Second Offense: Fine up to $300 and/or up to 60 days in jail
- Third and Subsequent Offenses: Fine up to $500 and/or up to 6 months in jail
For Spectators at Illegal Street Racing Events:
Spectators can now be fined up to $100 by the Municipal Court simply for attending or encouraging illegal racing activity.
Vehicle Impoundment:
If a judge finds probable cause that a vehicle was involved in a street racing incident, law enforcement may seize and impound the vehicle, even if the driver is not immediately arrested.
These new penalties reflect the city’s zero-tolerance stance on activities that endanger public safety. Increased enforcement and legal consequences are meant to deter this high-risk behavior and protect residents from preventable harm.
Legal Implications: What Victims and Families Need to Know
Illegal vehicle activities carry criminal and civil consequences, and victims may be entitled to significant compensation.
Legal Claims May Include:
- Personal Injury – For those hurt in collisions caused by illegal riding or racing
- Wrongful Death – For families who’ve lost a loved one due to reckless driving
- Product Liability – For defective or unsafe minibikes or ATVs
- Municipal Liability – If poor road design or lighting contributed to a crash
If you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries, such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability, you may be eligible for compensation covering:
- Lifelong medical care
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mobility equipment or home modifications
Police Crackdowns Intensify
The Kansas City Police Department is stepping up efforts to stop these dangerous trends (KMBC):
- Targeted patrols in areas like Westport, Crossroads, and Downtown
- Vehicle seizures and citations for illegal ATV and minibike riders
- Social media monitoring to disrupt organized races and rides
Recent operations led to:
- 12 arrests
- 5 firearms seized
- 19 citations issued in a single weekend
Despite these efforts, preventative action at the community and household level is critical.
Tips to Keep Kids Safe This Summer
As parents and guardians, we play a vital role in preventing injuries and accidents. Here are some essential safety tips:
Set Clear Rules: Make sure children understand that ATVs and minibikes are not toys. They should never be used on public streets and must be operated only under adult supervision in legal areas.
Use Proper Safety Gear: If your child is riding legally at a designated track or park, ensure they always wear:
- A DOT-approved helmet
- Gloves, boots, and long sleeves
- Bright, reflective clothing
Know the Law: In Missouri, most minibikes, dirt bikes, and ATVs are not legal for street use unless they meet strict requirements. Always check local ordinances before riding.
Encourage Alternatives: Direct kids toward supervised off-road parks, motocross clubs, or summer programs that promote safe riding and community engagement.
How Kendall Law Group Supports Victims and Families
At Kendall Law Group, we are committed to helping those affected by serious injuries caused by negligence, including:
- Illegal street racing
- ATV and minibike accidents
- Wrongful death and catastrophic injuries
We provide:
✅ Compassionate, client-focused legal guidance
✅ Thorough investigations to determine all liable parties
✅ Aggressive pursuit of the compensation you deserve
If you or a loved one has been harmed by illegal vehicle activity, contact us today. Our team of skilled Kansas City personal injury and wrongful death trial lawyers is here to help you put your life back together. 📞 CALL NOW or reach out HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What should I do if I witness illegal street racing or ATV use?
Report it immediately to local law enforcement with location, vehicle description, and any footage you may have.
Q2: Can I take legal action if I’m injured in one of these crashes?
Yes. Victims may pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Q3: What are the penalties for participating in illegal street racing?
Penalties may include fines, jail time, vehicle impoundment, and suspension of driving privileges.
Q4: Are there safe places for ATV and minibike use in the Kansas City area?
Yes. There are designated off-road parks and motocross tracks where riding is legal and supervised.
Q5: How can Kendall Law Group help me?
We help you file claims, investigate liability, negotiate with insurers, and represent your interests in court if needed.
Kansas City Personal Injury Trial Lawyers
This summer, let us work together to protect Kansas City’s roads and neighborhoods. By combining strong legal enforcement, community awareness, and safe practices at home, we can reduce the number of preventable injuries and tragedies.
If your family has been affected by an illegal vehicle crash, you do not have to face the legal system alone. Our experienced, knowledgeable and aggressive team is here to help you put your life back together and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Additional Resources
Wrongful Death Claims: How Families Can Seek Justice After a Tragic Loss in Kansas and Missouri
How to Prepare for Your First Meeting with a Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney
Understanding the Full Scope of Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries in Kansas City
