Street racing has been identified as a dangerous problem across Georgia’s highways and city streets by lawmakers. They have made it clear they are determined to crack down on this illegal activity, and the laws have become significantly stricter. Georgia has been building on its past efforts to stop reckless driving, as discussed in our earlier article on Georgia’s street racing crackdown. Now, with new legislation and aggressive enforcement strategies, the risks of taking part in street racing are higher than ever.
Georgia Senate Bill 10: What You Need to Know
Senate Bill 10 (SB 10), also known as the “Safe Streets Act,” represents a major overhaul and expansion of Georgia’s legal framework against street racing, drag racing, and reckless driving. The law amending both the criminal code (Title 16) and motor vehicle/traffic statutes (Title 40) was passed as Act 513 and signed into law in 2024. Although many of its provisions became enforceable on July 1, 2025, some originated earlier under related law changes.
Here are the key components and changes introduced by SB 10:
1. New Offenses: Promoting, Organizing, Attending, and Facilitating
- Promoting or Organizing Illegal Exhibitions
SB 10 amends O.C.G.A. § 16-11-43.1 to make it a crime to knowingly promote or organize illegal drag racing or “laying drags” events. That includes publicizing, coordinating, or facilitating the logistics of these events.
Such conduct is classified as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. - Attending and Actively Facilitating
Even spectators are not off the hook. SB 10 adds a new clause penalizing persons who are “knowingly present and actively facilitating” illegal drag racing or laying drags. Active facilitation can include using a vehicle to block portions of the roadway to assist the event.
That offense is treated as a misdemeanor, with a mandatory fine of at least $250 as a baseline.
These changes broaden liability beyond just the drivers: organizers, promoters, and certain spectators can now face criminal exposure.
2. Tougher Penalties for Reckless Stunt Driving
SB 10 significantly increases the penalties under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-390.1 for reckless stunt driving—especially when that conduct involves drag racing or laying drags. Under the new law:
- First Offense (within 10 years):
- Fine: minimum $300 (up from prior lower thresholds), up to $1,000
- Jail term: 10 days to 6 months
- Second Offense (within 10 years):
- Fines elevated (e.g. $750 up to $1,500)
- Jail: 90 days to 12 months
- Third Offense (within 10 years):
- Bigger fines, up to $5,000
- Jail: 120 days to 12 months
- Fourth or Subsequent Offense (within 10 years):
- Upgraded to a felony, with fines from $5,000 to $7,500
- Imprisonment: 1 to 5 years, with mandatory minimums (especially when injury or property damage > $1,000)
What’s particularly notable is that for serious offenses causing injury or substantial damage, the first 12 months of any sentence may not be suspended, probated, or withheld—making those sentences more severe and less flexible for courts.
Additionally, SB 10 allows vehicle forfeiture: a vehicle used in repeated violations (especially by “habitual violators”) may be declared contraband and forfeited, subject to judicial procedures.
There is a safety valve: if forfeiture would cause undue hardship for a family—e.g. the only vehicle the family uses—the court may transfer title to a licensed family member who qualifies, considering lien holders.
3. License Disqualifications and Restrictions
SB 10 also targets licensing eligibility, particularly for younger or new drivers:
- Under O.C.G.A. § 40-5-24, the bill raises restrictions for applying for a Class D license (Georgia’s standard license) or upgrading to a Class C license. If an applicant has convictions for offenses such as racing, reckless stunt driving, fleeing police, or hit-and-run within a specified period, they are disqualified.
- Specifically, a person applying for a Class D license cannot have been convicted in the prior 12 months of a list of serious traffic offenses (including racing, reckless driving, etc.).
- To upgrade from Class D to Class C, the applicant must have held a valid D license (not under suspension) for at least 12 consecutive months and must also avoid convictions of the listed serious offenses during that time.
These changes mean that even being arrested or convicted of a racing-related offense can prevent someone from getting or growing their driver’s license.
4. Codifying & Repealing Conflicting Laws
As part of the legislative package, SB 10 explicitly repeals conflicting statutes to consolidate Georgia’s approach to drag racing, stunt driving, and related public order offenses.
It also makes clear that municipal courts are empowered to impose the misdemeanor or high-and-aggravated misdemeanor penalties when local ordinances adopt these provisions.
5. Enhanced Criminal Tools for Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
By weaving together criminal (Title 16) and traffic (Title 40) statutes, SB 10 gives prosecutors more leverage:
- The ability to charge organizers and facilitators (not just drivers) broadens prosecutorial targets.
- Felony-level exposure in repeated cases raises the stakes for habitual offenders.
- Forfeiture tools allow seizure of vehicles tied to violations—even if the registered owner is not the driver.
- License-based disqualification adds collateral consequences that can hamper future mobility.
- Judges’ diminished ability to suspend or withhold sentences in serious cases reduces leniency options.
All told, SB 10 transforms street racing law in Georgia from a relatively niche traffic violation enforcement regime into a full-blown public order and criminal justice priority.
Recent Headlines Highlight Georgia’s Street Racing Enforcement
Recent news stories show that law enforcement agencies across Georgia are working together in an organized effort to shut down street racing:
- Atlanta Police Arrests: Police arrested four suspects accused of orchestrating organized street racing takeovers in the city, underlining the seriousness of targeting not just drivers but also organizers WSB-TV report.
- Drivers Arrested in Atlanta: Video footage showed three drivers being arrested by Atlanta Police during a suspected racing incident earlier this year WALB News.
- Douglas County Crackdown: Deputies in Douglas County arrested 10 people in Lithia Springs tied to street racing activities FOX 5 Atlanta.
- DeKalb County Sweep: At Wade Walker Park, more than 100 citations were issued in connection to a massive street racing meetup 11Alive.
These reports make it clear that officers are targeting both high-profile events and smaller gatherings. Street racing is no longer considered a minor offense—it is treated as a serious public safety threat.
The Ticket Clinic Can Help With Criminal Traffic Charges
At The Ticket Clinic, we have over 35 years of experience defending drivers against criminal traffic charges, including racing and reckless driving cases. If you or someone you know is facing charges related to Georgia’s street racing laws, you do not have to face it alone. Our attorneys know the courts, the prosecutors, and the strategies that can make a difference in your case.
Do not wait—contact The Ticket Clinic today for a free consultation. Protect your rights, your record, and your future.
