RACING ON HIGHWAYS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Racing on Highways is one of the most serious traffic charges in Pennsylvania. If you are cited with Racing on Highways, it is important to enter a not guilty plea and retain a Pittsburgh traffic ticket defense lawyer to represent you.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR RACING ON HIGHWAYS?
If you are found guilty of Racing on Highways, you will face a mandatory 6-month driver's license suspension and a fine of $200, plus court costs. You will also likely face an increase in your automobile insurance premiums, and could find difficulty securing employment if you are seeking a CDL, or are required to drive for your job.
If you are charged with Racing on Highways, you may also find yourself charged with Reckless Driving, Careless Driving and Roadways Laned for Traffic, in addition to other traffic violations.
RACING ON HIGHWAYS DEFINED
Racing on Highways is found at Section 3367 of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code. This offense provides that no person shall drive a vehicle on a highway in a race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record. This statute also punishes those who participate, in any manner, in any race, competition, contest, text or exhibition.
Under the statute, a drag race is considered an event where two vehicles are side by side attempting to pass or outdistance one another, or to test speeds or power over a certain distance or time limit. A race is considered the use of one's vehicle to outgain, outdistance, or prevent another vehicle from passing for the purpose of reaching a destination ahead of another vehicle, or to test a driver's abilities over long distance driving routes.
This charge does not apply if the individual has received a permit for special activities from PennDOT or another local authority.
WHY AM I BEING CHARGED WITH RACING ON HIGHWAYS?
Keep in mind that the police don't have to see you engaged in a "Fast and the Furious" style street race to seek a conviction. Other examples include scenarios where two friends are driving vehicles on the highway, and appear to be "horsing around" by increasing speeds. Alternatively, an aggressive driver who weaves in and out of traffic to prevent slower driver's from boxing them in may also be prosecuted under this section.
DO I NEED A LAWYER TO REPRESENT ME?
Yes. If you care about your driving privileges and driving record, your best bet is to hire an experienced Pittsburgh traffic ticket defense lawyer to represent you at the Magisterial District Court level.
You should keep in mind that a Racing on Highways charge is not charged frequently by police. If you are being charged with this offense, the officer will likely want to proceed to a full hearing on the matter, and will attempt to present evidence that you were engaged in a race as defined under the statute. You will want a good attorney to cross examine the officer and any potential witnesses against you. Your attorney can also make arguments directly to the Judge, requesting leniency in your case, which may help spare you from the 6-month license suspension.
HOW ZLF CAN HELP
If you are facing charges of Racing on Highways in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania, contact us today at 412-447-5580 for a free consultation. Our firm will fight to defend your case and keep your driving privileges intact.