It is often difficult to distinguish between two unrelated drivers who just happen to speed at the same time and place versus two or more drivers intentionally engaged in a speed competition. For that reason, racing cases can be very defensible. Coupled with the stringent penalties associated with the charge, it is extremely important that an individual charged with racing is represented by a an experienced traffic attorney.
Defining the Street Racing Charge
“Drag race” means the operation of two or more motor vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other, or the operation of one or more motor 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 motor vehicle or motor vehicles within a certain distance or time limit.
“Racing” means the use of one or more motor vehicles in an attempt to outgain or outdistance another vehicle, to prevent another car from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another car, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes. To better understand the definition of the charge, it is imperative to consult with a drag racing Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale .
Road Rules to Follow
When operating a motor vehicle, a person may not:
- Drive any motor vehicle, including any motorcycle, in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or exhibition of speed or acceleration or for the purpose of making a speed record on any highway, roadway, or parking lot
- In any manner participate in, coordinate, facilitate, or collect money at any location for any such race, competition, contest, test, or exhibition
- Knowingly ride as a passenger in any such race, competition, contest, test, or exhibition
- Purposefully cause the movement of traffic to slow or stop for any such race, competition, contest, test, or exhibition.
Any person who violates any provision of these limitations commits a Misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any person who violates any provision of this paragraph shall pay a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000, and the department shall revoke the driver license of a person so convicted for 1 year. A hearing may be requested pursuant to s. 322.271.
Whenever a Law Enforcement Officer determines that a person was engaged in a drag race or race, the officer may immediately arrest and take such person into custody. At this point, an individual should not wait any longer before consulting with a knowledgeable racing Lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Racing Attorney
An experienced Ft. Lauderdale racing Lawyer will look for ways to achieve dismissal of your charges or seek alternative resolutions that will look towards the possibility of dismissal and records expungement or sealing. Contact a Legal Representative today to begin preparing an effective defense against your charge.
