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Politics & Government

Drivers Caught Soliciting Prostitutes Will Pay $500

Under a new city ordinance, drivers caught buying drugs or soliciting a prostitute will have to pay a hefty fee to get their cars back.

Tampa City Council passed a new ordinance allowing Tampa police to seize cars from johns caught soliciting a prostitute or buying drugs from their cars on Thursday, Dec. 15.

As soon as Mayor Bob Buckhorn signs the new ordinance, drivers engaging in one of these activities will have to pay $500 to get their vehicles back.

At the urging of then-City Council member Buckhorn, Tampa passed a similar law in 1997, which was later repealed, the St. Petersburg Times reports.

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The city currently impounds vehicles when their drivers are arrested for a prostitution offense, but owners pick up the bill only for towing and storage costs, which are typically less than $150, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

Council members approved the ordinance 6-1, with member Mary Mulhern voting no.

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The ordinance .

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