Colorado law enforcement’s effort to curb illegal street racing generated a higher number of citizen complaints in 2024, according to Colorado State Patrol numbers released Monday.

CSP officials said 1,956 illegal street racing complaints were filed with Colorado’s Street Racing Working Group (SRWG) in 2024. That is 423 more complaints than were filed with the agency in 2023, according to a CSP spokesperson.

But CSP reported a decrease in the number of total citations handed out in 2024 related to illegal street racing.

Additionally, CSP officials said, there are “many more” complaints issued to local police dispatch centers beyond SRWG, which the CSP urges citizens to report illegal street racing to. SRWG partners with over 40 municipal and county law enforcement agencies, including CSP, to tackle illegal street racing.

“The group is made up of law enforcement officers, investigators, analysts, district and city attorneys, and support staff, all of whom are dedicated to eliminating or drastically reducing the instances of illegal street racing,” CSP officials said in a statement.

Unlike legally sanctioned street racing events, illegal street racing spontaneously takes place on public roads or lots and cause increased safety risks, CSP officials said.

During six street racing enforcement operations in 2024, CSP said SRWG partners engaged in 506 traffic stops, resulting in 360 citations and the seizure of stolen vehicles, illegal weapons and drugs.

The citations included 108 for street racing, 20 for reckless driving, 10 for careless driving and three DUI charges. Of the total, 130 citations were issued for speeds of more than 25 mph over the posted speed limit related to street racing, according to CSP.

Compared to 2023, SRWG issued 425 citations in 490 traffic stops, a CSP spokesperson said Monday. Those numbers show CSP issued 34 more street racing citations (142) in 2023, according to CSP.

Additional charges related to illegal street racing enforcement included illegal discharge of a firearm, underage alcohol consumption and illegal drug use. In 2024, DRWG initiated 16 arrests, 31 public nuisance abatement seizures and 11 vehicle impounds, CSP numbers show.

“The dangers associated with illegal street racing, as well as the nuisance of loud engines zipping by neighborhoods late at night, brings this issue to the top for many citizens,” CSP officials said in a statement.

Officials warned illegal street racing will result in fines, license suspensions and jail time.

“The SWRG will continue its mission in 2025,” CSP officials said. “Illegal street racers are on notice that law enforcement is watching with the intention to hold racers and all participants accountable for any crimes associated with the event. In addition, law enforcement will continue to seize cars and bikes.”