Atlanta Police Department Issues Citations and Arrests Two Drivers

Atlanta Municipal Court

Atlanta, Ga. - According to officers with the Atlanta Police Department, several citations were issued last night along with the arrests of two drivers.

Officers arrived at the scene this morning near Peachtree Street and Interstate 85. There were nearly 100 cars in the roadway. People were allegedly setting off fireworks while street racing occurred.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, I have highlighted before how charges such as street racing can lead to more serious offenses such as DUI in Atlanta. In today's post, I will outline the law behind the offense of racing.

The Law Behind 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

Call our offices today if you have been cited or arrested due to a traffic incident within the City of Atlanta. We can help you with your case and determine the best solution for you.