Change to ‘X-Train' ordinance would allow KDPS to tow involved vehicles off the street
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A change to an ordinance in Kalamazoo will make it easier for officers to tow vehicles involved in mobile nuisance parties known as 'X-Trains.'
Kalamazoo City Council passed the change Monday night, which would allow Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Officers to tow vehicles that have violated the mobile nuisance ordinance after receiving a warning. The original mobile nuisance ordinance, passed in 2019, was meant to combat the parties.
'It's a problem. Number one (because of) noise, disturbing the neighborhoods and the quality of life that it impacts,' KDPS Chief David Boysen . 'But it's also really a safety concern for us. Because these cars will be three to four deep or wide across the street and the street is completely gridlocked and blocked.'
Proposed ordinance aims to tow 'X-Train' vehicles in Kalamazoo
Because of the change, KDPS officers can tow a car after the 'X-Train' party if it's parked on a public lot or on the side of the street. However, they'll still need to get a search warrant to tow a vehicle out of a private driveway or backyard. Under the ordinance before the chance, officers would have needed to get approval from a judge to tow a car, regardless of its location.
Boysen said last year, 23 vehicles were impounded during the parties. After the city started the initiative to get seizure orders for vehicles that were seen at an 'X-Train,' more cars were identified — 129 so far in 2025. He said 34% of those are Kalamazoo cars, 32% are from out of state and 17% are rental cars.
Boysen said there has been a decrease in activity at 'X-Train' parties since the ordinance was first implemented.
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