Over 450 Racing Arrests Made in Atlanta

Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters

Atlanta, Ga. - Officers with the Atlanta Police Department have reported making over 450 racing-related arrests within the City of Atlanta since February.

The APD has also reported that it is reiterating its efforts in the fight against street racing. Deputy Chief Mike O'Connor stated that “The problem is not unique to Atlanta. This has kinda been a nationwide problem in a number of major cities all over the country, so it's not just specific to us. The problem has gotten significantly better over the past month or so.”

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I handle all offenses related to DUI in Georgia, and this includes racing. I will outline the law below.

Racing in Georgia

O.C.G.A. § 40-6-186 of the Georgia Code defines the offense of racing in Georgia 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.

Racing is legally 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.

Furthermore, drag racing is 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. A racing conviction can also lead to the suspension of your Georgia Driver's License.

Practice Note

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