Racing on a highway

Street Racing in Texas

Racing on a highway, otherwise known as “Street racing” is prosecuted across the State of Texas. Make sure you know the law; and, if you need a lawyer, make sure they know the law too!

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

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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.

When can racing be a felony?

A second offense of Racing on a Highway is a state jail felony punishable by 6 months to 2 years in a state jail facility, 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.

See the Texas Transportation Code for the full text of the law -HERE-

Racing on Highway Texas First Offense

Even first time racing on a highway offenses are prosecuted zealously around the State of Texas. Whether or not your case resolves favorably depends a great deal on your attorney. Attorney Tristan LeGrande has obtained misdemeanor and felony dismissals of Racing on a Highway charges in multiple jurisdictions in Texas. Don’t take a deal until you call for a free consult!

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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.

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