Street racing is prohibited in Arizona under ARS 28-708. Even if an accident doesn’t occur, being charged with street racing can result in severe legal consequences. These consequences can include jail time, loss of your license, mandatory classes, probation, and high fines. In certain cases, street racing can even be charged as a felony, leading to potential prison time.

What Is Street Racing?

Arizona law prohibits several actions related to street racing, including:

– Racing or speed competition/contest
– Drag racing or acceleration contests
– Tests of physical endurance
– Exhibiting speed or acceleration to make a speed record on a street or highway

While racing often refers to two cars competing, you can still be charged with street racing even if you’re just trying to prevent another vehicle from passing you. Additionally, “exhibition of speed” can be applied if you’re performing burnouts, donuts, or a jump start (sudden acceleration from a stop sign or light). If you quickly accelerate and cause your tires to squeak or smoke, you may be pulled over for street racing.

Street Racing Can Be a Felony – Potential Consequences

The consequences of a street racing conviction are serious. Regardless of the circumstances, you will receive 8 points on your license. Additionally, you will be required to attend a Traffic Survival School or face the possibility of a suspended license. Traffic Survival School is an 8-hour lecture designed to teach drivers to drive responsibly.

The specific consequences will vary depending on whether it is your first offense or a subsequent conviction.

First Conviction

If you are convicted of street racing for the first time in Arizona, you will be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A judge may choose to suspend your license, and the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) can also revoke it. You could face up to six months in jail.

Second or Subsequent Conviction

If you are convicted for a second time within two years, you may be charged with a felony. In this case, jail time is mandatory, and you could face prison time. Additionally, your license will be revoked.

Possible Defenses

If you are accused of street racing, several defense strategies may apply:

• – Were you actually racing? If the police pulled you over because they thought you were racing but you were just trying to avoid another driver’s erratic behavior, this can be a valid defense.
  – Not speeding or racing? You may argue that you were not speeding, racing, or driving erratically. This can be a difficult defense to prove, as it will likely be your word against that of the officer. However, a witness who was with you at the time or dashcam footage can provide crucial support for your case.

If You Have Been Charged with Street Racing, We Can Help

Steven George Law is committed to protecting the rights of individuals charged with traffic violations and criminal traffic offenses like street racing. With years of experience handling cases in Wickenburg, Arizona, Steven Scharboneau and his team offer aggressive courtroom advocacy and pay careful attention to every detail of your case.

Whether you’re dealing with a routine traffic ticket or a criminal speeding violation like street racing, Steven George Law is here to help. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and fight for your rights.

Request a free consultation today by calling 623-304-1465 or by filling out our contact us form.