In Florida, Highway Racing is governed under Statute 316.191. That Statute reads, in part:
316.191 Racing on highways.
(2) A person may not: (a) 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; (b) In any manner participate in, coordinate, facilitate, or collect moneys at any location for any such race, competition, contest, test, or exhibition; (c) Knowingly ride as a passenger in any such race, competition, contest, test, or exhibition; or(d) Purposefully cause the movement of traffic to slow or stop for any such race, competition, contest, test, or exhibition.
(3) (a) Any person who violates subsection (2) commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Any person who violates subsection (2) 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.
What does this mean for you? If convicted of racing on the highway for the first time, you will likely face a $500 – $1,000 fine and an automatic one year suspension of your driver’s license! That is why it is important to fight these charges. Often times, an experienced lawyer can have the charges dismissed or reduced, preventing you from losing your driving privileges.
If you have been issued a citation for racing on the highway, call a lawyer at Taracks & Associates today for a free consultation. An attorney with our firm will help you to understand your rights and responsibilities and will help you to fight the charge against you in an effort to avoid hefty fines and/or loss of driver’s license. Call us today at 813-281-2897 for a free consultation. Taracks & Associates – The Advocate For You.