Atlanta Police Department Searching for Street Racing Suspects

Atlanta Municipal Court

Atlanta, Ga. - The Atlanta Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying four suspects that have been allegedly involved in street racing.

As an Atlanta DUI Attorney, I have explained over the past few months just how seriously the APD is taking the issue of street racing. A temporary order has been issued requiring that drivers arrested for street racing have to appear before a judge within 24-48 hours to be eligible for a bond.

In today's post, I will outline the law behind street racing.

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

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.