The DeKalb City Council took action Tuesday night to crack down on drivers who intentionally squeal their tires and pour harmful substances onto city streets.

In a 6-0 vote, the council adopted an ordinance prohibiting drivers from operating their cars in any way that would emit squealing or sqeaking noises. The law also requires violators to be fined between $50 and $150.

By the same margin, council members adopted a measure banning the pouring of liquids, other than water and cleaning substances, upon city streets. Violators will be subject to the same fines contained in the car-squealing ordinance.

Fourth Ward Alderman Rita Tewksbury said the legislation was a response “to the near riot conditions caused by people who were pouring liquid detergent or bleach on the streets near McDonald’s on sixth street at last year’s CornFest.”

“These individuals were racing their 1950s-style cars over the wet areas at high speeds,” Tewksbury said.

DeKalb Police Chief Joseph Maciejewski said drivers “left clouds of blue smoke in their wake and attracted a good many onlookers from local taverns. A good deal of brawling broke out when the police arrived because a lot of people were drunk and being rowdy.”

Maciejewksi also said city employees had to hose down the area.

“This year we have arranged our schedule in order to ensure that a maximum number of police officers will be available during the time a cruise would occur. I have also requested additional manpower from the captain of the state police.”

“These ordinances weren’t aimed at stopping cruise night in particular,” Maciejewski said. “The real idea is to avoid the destruction of city property and disorderly conduct this sort of activity produces.”

Tewksbury said the ordinances also would facilitate a more orderly setting for this year’s CornFest. “Last year, cruise night created a lot of confusion that we can do without.”