Viral Video of Drift Racing on Georgia Interstate

There is a video circulating of drivers participating in drift racing on I-285 near Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Clayton County.

There is a tunnel that runs underneath a runway on the interstate. At some point last week, witnesses reported that cars were blocking all lanes of the highway. “In response to the drift racing video, we would like to make it clear that the Clayton County Police Department has a no-tolerance stance on drift racing, the elevated potential for loss of life and serious injury, but most importantly the disrespect for the laws and the citizens of this county,” police spokeswoman Lt. Cherie West said in a statement to AJC.com. “It is for this reason that we, in conjunction with surrounding law enforcement agencies, are working together to combat this blatantly devious behavior.” 

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the offense of racing in the state of Georgia. Although our firm focuses on DUI Laws in Georgia, this means we also specialize in traffic violations in the state. Racing is a serious charge and should not be taken lightly.

Racing in Georgia

Racing in Georgia is outlined by the Georgia Code in O.C.G.A. §40-6-186 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.

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