Road racing bill signed

A new law was signed on Monday that increases penalties for road racing, hauling and reckless driving.

Georgia now has tougher sentences for those convicted of drag racing or stunt driving.

Governor Brian Kemp, R-Georgia, signed Law House Bill 534 Monday afternoon.

“Our goal is simple: to protect every family in every community,” said Kemp.

Under the new law, anyone convicted of “reckless stunt driving” will be suspended from their driver’s license and fined and jailed.

SEE ALSO: Accused Road Racing License Suspended

Signing of the road racing bill

Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill that increased penalties for road racers.

A first-time offender would have their license suspended for up to 12 months, although they could apply for early reinstatement after 120 days at a cost of $ 210.

Anyone convicted for a second time in a five-year period would have their license suspended for up to 36 months, with reinstatement in as little as 18 months for a fee of $ 310.

A third conviction would result in an offender’s license being revoked for five years.

If a driver is caught behind the wheel while their driver’s license is suspended, they could face a fine of $ 750-5,000 and a prison term of up to 12 months. A habitual offender whose license was revoked would be guilty of a crime and would face a fine of at least $ 1,000 and a prison term of one to five years.

Court suspends road racer’s license

A road racer’s license is suspended after police officers caught him traveling at 143 mph.

SEE MORE: Bill cracking down on Georgia street races goes to see Governor Kemp

Anyone convicted of drag racing on a freeway or private property faces a graduated sentence within ten years:

  • First conviction: a fine of $ 300 to $ 750 and 10 days to 6 months in prison
  • Second conviction: a fine of $ 600 to $ 1,000 and 90 days to one year in prison
  • Third conviction: a fine of $ 1,000 to $ 5,000 and 120 days to one year in prison
  • Fourth conviction: a fine of $ 1,000 to $ 5,000 and one to five years in prison

Kemp said the law gives local law enforcement more options to crack down on illegal street racing and related activities.

“This is really something that came from a breakfast we had with the sheriff, the prosecutor, and all these local subway police chiefs,” Kemp explained. “It’s like, look, we have to have some tools to fight that crowd because this revolving door, just writing tickets or taking someone off one night, and they’re back the next night not to do the job , and so, that’s what we did. ”

State Senator Emmanuel Jones, D-Decatur, carried the Senate governor bill after he tabled his own road racing legislation earlier this year. Jones’ bill was named after Jaye Sanford, a DeKalb County mother who was killed when a road racer collided with her car in November 2020.

Sanford’s family stood behind Kemp when he signed the law. Her son Jason Sanford, 21, said he had mixed feelings about the law because it reminded him of his mother’s untimely death.

“I have a feeling that this bill will prevent deaths because no one should go through what my family went through. I think this bill will help other families stop suffering,” said Sanford. “I think that’s positive, but I also want to create something more positive and peaceful to celebrate my mother’s life and legacy.”

The law came into force with the signature of the governor.

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