RACING, LAYING DRAGS & RECKLESS STUNT DRIVING

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- Code Section: O.C.G.A. § 40-6-186

- Definitions & Details: 

• “Racing” - ‘the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to outgain, 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” – ‘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.

- Penalty: Racing is a misdemeanor that carries with it a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 12 months in jail. A conviction typically also triggers a 120-day license suspension along with three (3) points on your license for Georgia licensees. If the driver is under 21 at the time of conviction, their license will be suspended for six (6) months. There may also be several additional penalties including but not limited to: community service, probation, defensive driving, and additional required courses. 

- Code Section: O.C.G.A. § 40-6-251

- Definitions & Details: “Laying drags” is defined as operating a motor vehicle on public streets, highways, public or private driveways, airport runways, or parking lots 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, except to avoid a collision or injury or damage. 

- Penalty: Laying drags is a misdemeanor that carries with it a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 12 months in jail. A conviction for laying drags will result in three (3) points to your license, as well as possible other punishments. 

- Code Section: § 40-6-390.1 

- Definitions & Details: Reckless stunt driving occurs when a person operates a vehicle while drag racing, or laying drags, in reckless disregard for the safety of persons on a highway or upon private property without express authorization from the property owner.

- Penalty: Though similar to the offenses of “racing” and “laying drags,” reckless stunt driving is a far more serious charge and carries with it greater penalties as it is considered a “high and aggravated misdemeanor.” The below penalties are only the MINIMUM consequences of a conviction for this offense. The court will likely impose several additional requirements above and beyond fines and jail. 

• First Conviction: A fine between $300 and $750, as well as a minimum of 10 days in jail up to six months maximum. 
• Second Conviction: If the conviction occurs in within the same ten-year period, the is raised to $600 - $1,000, and a minimum of 90 days in jail (up to 12 months). 
• Third Conviction: A third conviction within 10 years results in fines between $1,000 and $5,000, and between 120 days to 12 months in jail. This will also be treated as a habitual violator offense and trigger a five (5) year license revocation. 
• Fourth Conviction: A fourth conviction within a single ten-year period is a felony, punishable by fines between $1,000 and $5,000 and a minimum 12 month jail sentence.