Racing on a highway
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Racing on a highway, also known as “street racing,” or “drag racing,” is illegal in Texas. Due to popularity on social media, and movies, prosecution of Racing on a Highway is at an all time high in Texas. Prosecutors zealously go after people charged with these offenses around the state of Texas. If you are charged with racing on a highway, you need an attorney that has experience successfully defending racing charges.
What is Racing on a highway?
A person may not participate in any manner in:
- a race;
- a vehicle speed competition or contest;
- a drag race or acceleration contest;
- a test of physical endurance of the operator of a vehicle; or
- in connection with a drag race, an exhibition of vehicle speed or acceleration or to make a vehicle speed record.
What is a “Drag race” under Texas law?
Operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other; or, one or more vehicles over a common selected course, from the same place to the same place, for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of the vehicles in a specified distance or time.
What is a “Race” under Texas law?
The use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to
- outgain or outdistance another vehicle
- prevent another vehicle from passing
- arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles
- test the physical stamina or endurance of an operator over a long-distance driving route
What is the punishment for conviction of Racing on a Highway in Texas?
Racing on a highway is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and a fine not to exceed $2000. A second racing conviction is punishable as a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine not to exceed $4000. If the person was operating the vehicle while intoxicated or with an open container of alcohol, racing on a highway is also punished as a class A misdemeanor.
Can Racing on a Highway be a felony?
Racing on a Highway is a state jail felony punishable by 6 months to 2 years in a stat jail facility of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a fine not to exceed $10,000
Racing on a Highway is a felony of the third degree, punishable by 2 to 10 years in the institutional division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a fine not to exceed $10,000, if it is shown on the trial of the offense that as a result of the offense, an individual suffered bodily injury.
Racing on a Highway is a felony of the second degree, punishable by 2 to 20 years in the institutional division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a fine not to exceed $10,000, if is shown on the trial of the offense that as a result of the offense, an individual suffered serious bodily injury (think…overnight hospital stay) or death.
CHARGED WITH RACING ON A HIGHWAY?
YOU NEED AN AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE
Our criminal defense law firm takes all Racing on a Highway cases very seriously. We will zealously defend your case. Its your freedom at stake, hire a lawyer with a track record of winning cases for his clients.
WE FIGHT RACING ON A HIGHWAY CASES & WIN!