The Simi Valley City Council voted unanimously Monday in favor of a new city ordinance that will allow authorities to seize and sell the cars of drivers who participate in street racing or otherwise illegally exhibit their vehicle's speed with spectators present.

The vote occurred without any opposition or public comment.

The ordinance includes procedures for postseizure probable cause hearings to address any due process concerns, allowing suspected violators, up to 30 days after the seizure, to file a claim disputing the officer's decision to impound the vehicle.

According to the ordinance, a forfeiture trial would take place in Superior Court so that a judge could make the final decision as to whether or not a car can be seized and where the money from the car 's sale should go.

At least a portion of the money will help pay for enforcement of the law.

The ordinance includes an opportunity for people to argue against the seizure of the driver's car or truck if it is owned by someone else or if it is a family's sole means of transportation.

Asked about the new law, which will go into effect on Dec. 14, new chief of police Mike Lewis said he expects it will make most potential street racers think twice before burning rubber in Simi Valley.

After all, he said, what's more important to an exhibition driver than his or her souped-up automobile?

"They've invested a lot of money into the equipment and different features-they don't want to lose their cars," Lewis said.

Other Southern California cities that have adopted similar laws include Riverside, San Diego, Stockton, Fontana, Ontario and Los Angeles.

When asked how much extra work the new ordinance could mean for his traffic enforcement officers, Lewis said "just a little bit."

About eight to 10 drivers are arrested each year in Simi for violating California vehicle code 23109(a), which pertains to motor vehicle speed contests.

-Kyle Jorrey