Two Men Arrested in Georgia Interstate Road Race

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I wrote about multiple drivers who made headlines earlier this week on Georgia Interstate I-285 near the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.

Police in Clayton County have arrested two men accused of starting the burnouts and drift racing on the highway. They are both facing charges of:

• Racing on Highways in Georgia
• Impeding the Flow of Traffic in Georgia
• Laying Drags in Georgia
• And Reckless Driving in Georgia.

In today's post, I will outline the offense of laying drags.

Laying Drags in Georgia

Laying drags in the state of Georgia is defined by law in O.C.G.A. § 40-6-251(a) as operating a vehicle “in such a manner as to create a danger to persons or property by intentionally and unnecessarily causing the vehicle to move in a zigzag or circular course or to gyrate or spin around.”

There is an exception to the law if the individual lays drag only as a necessary maneuver to avoid a collision, injury, or damage. The law also does not apply to drivers operating vehicles in or on any raceway, drag strip, or similar place customarily and lawfully used for such purposes.

An individual is guilty of a misdemeanor if convicted of laying drag as defined by O.C.G.A. § 40-6-251(a). The maximum penalty for a misdemeanor offense in Georgia is 12 months in jail and a $1,000.00 fine. Additionally, three points will be assessed against your driver's license.  This may lead to a suspension of driving privileges if 15 or more points are accumulated in any 24 month period. For drivers under the age of 18, if four or more points are accumulated in any 12 month period, there will be a six month driver's license suspension.

Practice Note

Laying drags or any other serious traffic violations can lead to investigations for DUI in Georgia. We specialize in the laws behind all of these types of offenses. If you have been arrested, call our offices now.