Miami-Dade law enforcement warns about illegal street takeovers ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

MIAMI — Miami-Dade law enforcement agencies are issuing a big warning ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Do not break the laws on the road.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, City of Miami Police and even the Department of Homeland Security warned potential violators about the dangers of street takeovers, something that South Florida sees every year around the holiday. Their message is the same: follow the law to make sure everyone stays safe.

“In prior holiday weekends, we have encountered visitors and residents who block our county roads and interfere with the flow of traffic,” said Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.

Street takeovers during the MLK Day weekend have become somewhat of a tradition — a tradition that law enforcement officers want to put to an end.

“The improper use of ATVs, motorcycles, golf carts or any other non-street-legal vehicle will not be tolerated,” Cordero-Stutz said.

Just last year, over 160 people were arrested, with dozens of weapons confiscated and stolen vehicles recovered.

Cordero-Stutz said “no more.”

“The message is clear: I think with all of us standing here, we take this very seriously,” she said.

“This is a weekend to come in honor and celebrate as a community the memory of Dr. King,” added Miami Police Chief Manny Morales. “It’s not a weekend to go out and be involved in reckless, dangerous behavior.”

The hope for everyone is to have a safe holiday weekend.

“This is such a positive weekend,” Cordero Stutz said. “We wanted to be positive and not put people in harm’s way.”

Morales said that the decisions people make now “might not only cost you your freedom, but it might cost somebody’s life.”

Cordero-Stutz said if anyone is caught during an illegal street takeover, they could face up to a $4,000 fine.