Speed Contest
Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles
What is a Speed Contest?
A Speed Contest is an illegal exhibition of speed conducted on public streets or highways using a motor vehicle. It includes a motor vehicle race against another motor vehicle using a clock or other timing device. Speed contests or exhibitions of speed, commonly known as "street race," "speed race," or "drag race," threatens the well-being and safety of the public.
What happens if I just watch?
You are a spectator if you watch or are present at an illegal speed contest or at a location (public street or highway, or private property) where preparations are being made for such activities, for the purpose of viewing, observing, watching, or witnessing the event as it develops. Anyone who engages, aids, or participates at a speed contest violates the law and could be cited.
Effects of Speed Contest
- The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that 5,749 teens died in the United States in 1999 from motor vehicle injuries.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that:
- motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 16 and 20.
- the number of fatal crashes increased 87% in 2001 as a result of speed contest.
- The California Office of Traffic Safety reported more than 800 citations were issued in 2001 for illegal speed racing in California.
- The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported the following number of citations due to speed contest violations:
| Year | 23109A | 23109B | 23109C | 23109D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 349 | 396 | 369 | 1 |
| 2002 | 391 | 100 | 421 | 0 |
| 2003 | 458 | 99 | 398 | 3 |
| 2004 | 380 | 39 | 321 | 1 |
| 2005 | 382 | 84 | 312 | 3 |
| Year | 23109A | 23109B | 23109C | 23109D | Killed | Injured |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 190 | 13 | 84 | 93 | 16 | 159 |
| 2002 | 150 | 10 | 64 | 76 | 11 | 122 |
| 2003 | 147 | 7 | 75 | 65 | 7 | 128 |
| 2004 | 145 | 8 | 70 | 67 | 8 | 133 |
| 2005 | 84 | 6 | 37 | 41 | 7 | 76 |
What Happens if I Speed Race?
The following are some of the penalties you can face if you street race:
- Be arrested and have your vehicle impounded for 30 days.
- Be imprisoned for up to three months if convicted of street racing, or aiding or abetting a street race.
- Be fined for up to $1,000.
- Have your driver license revoked.
- Have your vehicle's insurance canceled or premiums dramatically increased.
- Have equipment violations issued.
NOTE: Spectators are also subject to the same penalties.
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