Anyone caught taking part in an illegal race starting Saturday will face a misdemeanor and a fine.
Getty ImagesIn one of the latest moves by authorities to curtail unsanctioned street races, Florida’s new law banning street takeovers takes effect Saturday. The bill was passed unanimously by state lawmakers during this year’s legislative session and received Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature on June 9.
House Bill 399 explicitly bans street takeovers, drag racing, drifting, wheelies and doing donuts on public roads. The law is pretty comprehensive, aiming to prevent cars from participating in any “street takeover, stunt driving, race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or exhibition of speed or acceleration on highway, roadway, or parking lot.”
It also penalizes riding in passenger seats, spectating, filming and sharing anything about these events on social media. Additionally, the law is supposed to crack down on betting on any race either in person or on social media.
Any person found violating HB 399 will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, pay a fine of up to $1,000, and have their driver’s license revoked for one year. Committing a second offense within five years after the first one gets another misdemeanor charge, a higher fine of up to $3,000 and two years without a license. A third misdemeanor offense ups the ante to a fine of up to $5,000 and a four-year license suspension.
Cars seized in any street takeover bust can be impounded for 30 days. If that car is part of a second bust within five years after the first, it can be taken permanently in a civil asset forfeiture.
Spectators can expect to be charged with a “noncriminal traffic infraction,” or a moving violation.
Law enforcement across the country have been stepping up to stop these events. In September, California Highway Patrol made 27 arrests and impounded 19 cars in a Pomona-area street takeover. Meanwhile, over one weekend in the same month, police in Tucson, Arizona arrested 177 people and impounded nine cars in a sting operation.
The law makes sure to carve out exceptions for official racetracks and drag strips, so if you get the urge to do burnouts in Florida, it’s best to keep it to sanctioned pavement.
Keyword: Florida's Ban on Street Takeovers and Drag Racing on Public Roads Starts Today