Racing Charges in Georgia
Racing may seem like fun and games, but it is considered to be a serious traffic offense in Georgia. The penalties are severe and Georgia judges do not take it easy on drivers charged with racing. If you or a loved one has been charged with racing, you need to contact our Georgia Racing Lawyers immediately. We want to protect your rights, future, and freedom. Call now for a free case evaluation.
Racing Laws in Georgia
According to O.C.G.A. §40-6-186, racing is defined as:
- Â The use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to outgain, 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"Â means 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.
- 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.
Georgia Penalty for Racing Conviction
A person convicted of drag racing or racing will be guilty of a misdemeanor. This means it will usually include a fine of up to $1,000, or jail up to one year. However, a license suspension is a customary penalty for a racing conviction. Additionally, racing carries 3 points on your license but an accumulation of 15 points in 24 months will result in a license suspension. If the driver was under 21, then their license will be suspended for 6 months.
Other penalties can include community service and probation. If the racing resulted in anyone being injured whether it was a passenger, bystander, or pedestrian the driver, could face civil actions from injured parties as well.
Judges take racing very seriously and often heavily penalize the drivers. That is why it is in your best interest to hire a racing attorney in Georgia today!
Reckless Stunt Driving in Georgia
Another form of racing in Georgia is called reckless stunt driving. This refers to operating a vehicle in a dangerous and reckless manner, often involving high speeds, dangerous maneuvers, or tricks like drifting, burnouts, or doughnuts, typically performed on public roads. While it may be similar to racing, reckless stunt driving has enhanced penalties and can include fines, jail time, and possible suspension or revocation of your driver's license.Â
Promoting or Organizing Street Racing in Georgia
Promoting or organizing street racing in Georgia is a serious offense that became illegal under a newer law passed in 2021. Under Georgia Code O.C.G.A. 16-11-43.1, it is a crime to knowingly promote, advertise, or organize illegal street races or exhibitions of stunt driving, such as drag racing or drifting. Those found guilty can face penalties including up to 12 months in jail, fines up to $5,000, or both. Unlike participating in the race itself, promoting or organizing these events does not result in points on your driver's license, but it still carries significant legal consequences and will appear on your record.
Contact Our Georgia Racing Attorneys Today
A racing charge is taken very seriously by Georgia prosecutors and judges. To get the best result for your case, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced Georgia Defense Lawyer today. Our team can assist you in avoiding the harsh consequences that are associated with Georgia's racing laws. Call now for a free no-obligation case evaluation.