Atlanta City Council Changes Strategy with Local Street Racing

Downtown Atlanta

Atlanta, Ga. - The Atlanta City Council has been trying to figure out how to put an end to the continuous street racing that has been occurring within the City of Atlanta since the beginning of the pandemic.

Street racing has always been an issue within city limits, however, it has gotten considerably worse in recent months.

Atlanta Police Officers issued over 200 citations for reckless driving and street racing this past weekend. Their newest strategy is to be waiting in the spots that these street races have been notoriously taking place instead of waiting for a report.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, my work encompasses much more than just DUI in Atlanta. Any offenses that correspond or are related to DUI are also in my wheelhouse.

In today's post, I will focus on the law behind the offense of street racing and the consequences that accompany a street racing conviction.

Street Racing

O.C.G.A. §40-6-186 defines the offense of street racing as:

Georgia law prohibits any vehicle on a highway of this state from participating in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record.

By law, the term racing is defined as the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to out-gain, outdistance, or prevent another vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes.

Drag racing is also legally defined as the operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerated speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other or the operation of one or more vehicles over a common selected course from the same point to the same point for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of such vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or time limit.

If convicted of racing, the penalties can include any punishments allowed under the misdemeanor sentencing statute. These punishments range from fines of $1000 plus court costs, license suspension, community service, jail-time, probation to more.

Practice Note

If you or a loved one has been cited or arrested for a serious traffic violation such as driving under the influence or street racing, please call our offices today. Our team can help you with your case now and determine the next right action for you.