What is drag racing?
It is illegal to engage in street racing anywhere in Illinois, and the law defines street racing much more broadly than just two vehicles speeding to see who is faster. Street racing is not a simple traffic ticket under Illinois law.
Illinois statute defines this law as:
- Two or more vehicles, side by side, accelerating as speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other, often called drag racing.
- Timing vehicles on a pre-determined course, one at a time, to see which is faster.
- Trying to outgain speed of another vehicle on the road, whether they know about it or not.
- Using a car to prevent another car from passing in a passing lane.
- Using a car to get to a destination before another.
- Using a car to test the physical endurance or stamina of a driver over long distances.
What are the consequences of drag racing?
In addition, a person can be convicted of street racing when they are not even in a vehicle at all. If the owner of a vehicle gives permission to let another engage in street racing, that is also illegal and could result in a Class B misdemeanor.
A driver charged with street racing in Illinois for the first time faces a Class A misdemeanor charge. The law requires the judge to issue a minimum fine of $251, but the judge could issue a fine of up to $2,500 and even sentence the driver to one year in jail.
A second conviction for street racing is called “aggressive street racing” and is a Class 4 felony. The law requires the judge to give a minimum fine of $500 and one year in jail. The maximum punishment is a fine up to $2,500 and three years in jail.
If you were charged with drag racing, contact Giannola Traffic Lawyers today for a free consultation to formulate your defense and understand the repercussions.
