Penalties for Street Racing and Drag Racing in Illinois

 Posted on June 21, 2022 in Traffic violations

Drag racing, car racing, and other motorsports are popular spectator sports, attracting legions of fans to large venues and small tracks all around the state. However, some car owners feel tempted to recreate the speeds of race cars on Illinois streets. Participating in street racing, also known as drag racing, is a serious traffic violation and will result in more than just a simple speeding ticket. If your actions fall under the Illinois street racing statute, you could be facing more serious penalties, including the loss of your driver’s license, fines, and even jail time.

What Counts as Street Racing Under Illinois Law

The definitions of street racing in Illinois law generally cover any attempts to see if your car is faster than someone else’s. You can be charged with street racing if you:

• Race another car side by side and try to outdistance each other
• Compete against other drivers to see who can drive the same course in the fastest time
• Try to outgain or outdistance another vehicle
• Use your vehicle to prevent another vehicle from passing
• Race to reach a destination ahead of another vehicle or group of vehicles
• Use your vehicle to test the physical endurance or stamina of other drivers over a long-distance route

Misdemeanor, Felony Charges Possible for Street Racing

If you are charged with street racing or drag racing in Illinois, you are facing Class A misdemeanor charges, which carry a maximum fine of $2,500 and up to one year in jail. The minimum fine is $250. Additionally, if you are convicted, your driver’s license will be revoked. This is more serious than a license suspension since revocation requires an administrative hearing with a Hearing Officer from the Secretary of State who must agree to reinstate your driver's license. You may be required to have a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) before full reinstatement, which restricts the places you can drive, typically only for employment, medical care, and childcare needs.

While street racing can be thrilling for participants, the reckless nature of the speeds can also lead to harm to others. If there is an accident from a street race, you can be charged with aggravated street racing, which is a Class 4 felony and could send you to jail for between one and 12 years. Allowing someone else to use your car in a street race is a Class B misdemeanor.

Contact a Kane County Reckless Driving Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of street racing or any other reckless driving charge, you may be facing fines and even jail time. You need the experienced representation of an Elgin reckless driving lawyer at the The Law Office of Brian J. Mirandola. We’ll fight to have the charges lowered or even dismissed altogether. Give us a call today at 847-488-0889 and schedule your free initial consultation.  

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=062500050K11-506