In this blog post, we will discuss what constitutes an illegal street race and explore the matters that influence categorizing an offense as either a misdemeanor or felony in California courts. Unbeknownst to Bruce, Lila sneaks out of the house one night in Bruces car and uses it to participate in a street race. Please complete the form below and we will contact you momentarily. If you have a second street racing conviction within two years of the first, it can be charged as a felony. 4. A teenage boy who has just been given his first car as a birthday present makes a bet with his friend that he can travel a 10-mile stretch of highway insix minutes or less. Texas laws aimed at cracking down on street racing WebIf you steal a car or other vehicle in the state of California, you may be charged with one of two possible offenses. Definitions of speed competitions often include things like: Overall, street racing laws tend to target situations where the participants are committing other traffic violations or creating unsafe situations on public roadways. The difference is that reckless driving involves a certain level of intent to disregard the law. Vehicle Code 23109 VC - "Speed Contest" - California Law (8) Paralysis. First, lets talk about how California law defines street racing. They are caught up in a philosophical dispute between lawmakers about the best way to address the crisis. Jorge Garcia, 21, of Zapata was arrested on a felony warrant for racing on a highway causing death on April 12, 2023. Because they are not driving motor vehicles, Mike and Steve would not be guilty of willfully engaging in a speed contest, but they could be charged with other crimes. (g) If the court grants probation to a person subject to punishment under subdivision (f), in addition to subdivision (f) and any other terms and conditions imposed by the court, which may include a fine, the court shall impose as a condition of probation that the person be confined in a county jail for not less than 48 hours nor more than six months. There may be criminal consequences for criminal street racing. Because this impromptu race was willful, on a public road and between two cars, this would likely be considered willful engagement in a speed contest. LegalMatch, Market