Drag Racing on Georgia streets and highways is extremely dangerous and illegal. A citation for drag racing in Georgia comes with steeper penalties than your average speeding ticket. It is not a felony (unless you injure or kill someone), but it is a serious misdemeanor due to the high probability of endangering other citizens on the road.
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Drag Racing in the State of Georgia is a serious criminal offense. A driver should seriously consider hiring an attorney due to the consequences associated with a racing charge.
Racing is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Therefore, it is not a charge that should be taken lightly. Read below for more information regarding racing and the penalties involved.
Types of Racing
It is illegal to race on highways and streets in Georgia.  Racing includes any speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, test of speed or acceleration, or any exhibition for the purpose of making a speed record.
The Georgia Code defines racing as:
(1) When two or more people compete or race side-by-side at accelerated speeds on any street or highway (drag raceÂ);
(2) When one motor vehicle is beside or to the rear of another driver, and one driver tries to prevent the passing or overtaking of the competing driver by acceleration or maneuver; or
(3) When one or more persons compete in a race against time, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes. O.C.G.A. § 40-6-186.
Penalties
If you are convicted for racing, it is considered a misdemeanor and your license will be automatically suspended. O.C.G.A. § 40-5-54 (a) (4).  The period of suspension will vary depending on the circumstances of your case.
If you are under 21 years of age, there are strict penalties if you are convicted for racing on highways or streets.  Your instructional permit or driver’s license will be suspended for 6 months if it is your first conviction. If it is your second or subsequent conviction, your permit or license may be suspended for 12 months.  Additionally, if you are declared a Habitual Violator based upon a third conviction within 5 years, then your driver’s license will be revoked.
What is a habitual violator?
A Habitual Violator is based upon the third conviction of ANY combination of these offenses within 5 years:
-Driving under the Influence (DUI);
-Homicide by vehicle;
-Feticide by vehicle;
-Serious injury by vehicle;
-Hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident;
Racing;
-Using a motor vehicle in fleeing or attempting to elude an officer;
-Fraudulent or fictitious use of, or application for, a license/ID card;
-Operating a motor vehicle with a suspended, canceled, or revoked registration;
-Any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used; or
-Felony forgery related to an identification document.
The consequences of racing are very seriousâ€not to mention, life threatening†and if you are convicted, you will be faced with many challenges including the financial impact that it could have on your livelihood if your license is suspended. A negative driving record can affect many aspects of your life, including your home and work life.
If you find yourself in this situation, contact an attorney immediately. We understand that your goal is to keep a clean driving record, avoid points, and keep your license in good standing. Our goal is to fight your case and, if possible, try to reduce the charge to a lesser offense. We can review your case and discuss the options you may have available to you.  Every case is different. At A. Bishop Law, we take the time to determine your best options.
At A. Bishop Law, our Georgia Criminal Defense Traffic Ticket Attorneys welcome any questions on Georgia Speeding Ticket and Georgia DUI laws. Please Call or Email us with any questions, your initial consultation is free and confidential.
About the attorney:  Anne Bishop is a Georgia Lawyer with A. Bishop Law in Gainesville, Georgia and handles various DUI / DWI, Marijuana Arrests and other Georgia Criminal Defense matters.  The law office of A. Bishop Law can assist clients throughout Georgia including: Hall County (Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch), Jackson County  (Jefferson, Braselton) White County (Helen, Cleveland), Lumpkin County (Dahlonega), Dawson County (Dawsonville), Habersham County (Demorest, Cornelia), and all of Northeast Georgia.
This article and/or video should not be considered nor relied upon as legal advice since it is only intended for general overview and informational purposes. Please consult with an attorney on your specific situation in order to determine an appropriate legal course of action.