Arrested For Drag Racing On The Highway In Florida

The state of Florida has passed specific laws to combat the dangers of side-by-side racing on highways. For drivers or organizers, the punishment can be quite severe. Even participating as a spectator is treated as an offense. And if anyone was injured or killed, there may be prison time on the line.

If you are charged with racing on the highway or participating in any way, you will need experienced representation to avoid the harshest consequences. The Miami, Florida attorneys of Ferrer Shane, PL offer a skilled defense for all traffic offenses, including charges related to racing. Contact us today to discuss where you stand and how we can help.

Highway Racing Charges in Florida

It is illegal under Florida statutes to:

  • Operate a car, motorcycle or other motor vehicle on a highway, street, parking lot or off-road course in a contest or exhibition of speed, acceleration, or endurance
  • Coordinate, referee, collect money for, or otherwise promote or participate in such a racing event
  • Willingly ride as a passenger in such a race
  • Stop, divert, or slow traffic to facilitate a racing or speed event

Highway racing is a first-degree misdemeanor. Penalties can include jail time of up to one year, fines up to $1,000 and license revocation for one year, even impoundment of your vehicle. On a second offense within five years (as a driver, passenger, or participant), potential penalties include a two-year license revocation and seizure and forfeiture of your vehicle.

Any injury crash or injuries to spectators resulting from highway racing may result in additional felony charges — even if you were not in the vehicle that crashed or caused injury to bystanders.

Spectator to Drag Racing

You can be punished simply for watching or wagering on a highway race. Under Florida Statute 318, knowingly being a spectator to an illegal race is treated as a noncriminal moving violation, subject to fines, and 3 points against your driver’s license.

These serious offenses demand serious representation. Serving Miami-Dade County and all of South Florida, our lawyers are skilled at getting traffic offenses dismissed. If you are connected in any way to a highway racing event or other drag racing event, call 305-262-2728 or 888-609-5947, or contact us online for a free initial consultation.