New law targets drivers who flee from cops

The legislation would allow the state to hold on to the vehicle until the driver's case goes through the court system and sell it if the driver is found guilty.

"We want 'Run and You're Done,' to roll off people's tongues, just like 'Click It or Ticket,'  and 'Booze It and Lose It,'" bill co-sponsor Rep. Dale Folwell, R-Forsyth, said Tuesday.

Proceeds from the vehicle sales would benefit local school districts.

Folwell and another bill sponsor, Rep. John Faircloth, stressed that the law is not about money but is an effort to help deter people from fleeing and endangering lives.

"There is an absolutely no-more-deadlier event that can occur for a law enforcement officer going out for a day's work than to become involved with a chase," Faircloth, R-Guilford, said.

The law, which is similar to one already on the books that applies to organized drag racing, does allow some exceptions to vehicles being sold, such as if there's a lien on the automobile.

Another exception would fall under the "innocent owner" rule if the person who owns the car has no knowledge of the crime.

"If it's a parent, for instance, that has a vehicle, and their young driver takes it out unbeknownst to them, there is a one-time exemption there," Folwell said.

Last year, more than 1,600 people across the state were arrested on charges of fleeing to elude authorities.