Menu
Law enforcement agencies in Pinellas County are on high alert to “be on the lookout” for drivers who are potentially engaging in street racing on a highway. Although this offense can occur in any location with a football field length of roadway, we have found that the majority of persons cited for “Racing on a Highway” stem from the following geographic locations in Pinellas County:
Under Florida Statute 316.191 provides that it is unlawful to drive any vehicle in a street takeover, stunt driving, race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or exhibition of speed or acceleration or for purposes of making a speed record on any highway, roadway or parking lot. Stunt driving is further defined as burnouts, doughnuts, drifting, wheelies, or other dangerous motor vehicle activity.
The statute goes a step further to encourage citizens to not engage in racing conduct. In that regard, the statute criminalizes being a passenger in a vehicle where another person is engaging in the prohibited conduct, or even promoting or coordinating the behavior on social media.
Although racing has always been taken seriously by law enforcement in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the surrounding areas of Pinellas County, law enforcement officials have been especially attentive to Racing on a Highway due to a recent traffic fatality in which a young boy was killed when he was struck by a vehicle as a spectator at a street racing event.
If you are charged with Racing on a Highway, your privilege to operate a motor vehicle is on the line. Any person convicted of racing suffers a one-year driver’s license revocation. A second offense for Racing results in a two-year driver’s license revocation. Any subsequent Racing offense results in a 4-year loss of license. Fines and court costs for Racing vary from $1,000.00 up to $5,000.00. Other common penalties include community service, probation, traffic schools, and vehicle immobilizations. However, any person charged with Racing could face up to one-year in jail. In some cases, vehicles used in Racing can also be subject to the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act – in other words, the government can take your car or motorcycle.
If you or a loved one has been charged with Racing on a Highway in Pinellas, contact our top-rated criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of Marc N. Pelletier. During your free consultation with our office, we will discuss the unique facts and circumstances of your case and formulate a strategy to minimize the impacts such an offense will have on your life. In some cases, our office is able to seek an amendment in the charge so as to sidestep the driver’s license revocation. In other cases, may be able to establish that a “Racing” did not occur and that a dismissal is appropriate. Call our office today at 727-493-9386 for a free consultation with one of our highly experienced criminal defense attorneys.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.
Defense services for drug crimes,
sex crimes, theft and warrants.
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week
Baypoint Commerce Center
The Koger Building
9721 Executive Center Dr N,
Suite 120
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
©2024 The Law Offices of Marc N. Pelletier. All Rights Reserved. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. This web site provides general information only since the facts and circumstances of your case are unique. The information presented on this website is not to be interpreted as formal legal advice nor does it constitute the formation of an attorney/client relationship.