Bill cracking down on Georgia street racing heads to Gov. Kemp
ATLANTA - A bill cracking down on street racing in Georgia now heads to the governor's desk.
The Senate voted 46-3 on Monday to give final approval to House Bill 534, which would require at least 10 days of jail time for all convictions.
The crackdown measure on drag racing was pushed by Gov. Brian Kemp as part of his legislative priorities on crime matters.
The bill makes it a misdemeanor for anyone in Georgia who organizes, promotes, or participates in street racing.
Drivers would have their driver’s license suspended for up to one year for the first offense and three years for a second offense. A third would see their license revoked and their vehicle confiscated.
MORE: Dozens of alleged street racers arrested in Clayton County
The driver’s licenses of those convicted of stunt driving would be suspended. A first offense within five years would bring a suspension of 12 months, with someone allowed to appeal for a reinstatement after 120 days. A second conviction within five years would bring a suspension of three years, with someone allowed to seek reinstatement after 18 months. After a third offense, someone could appeal for a probationary license, which might restrict when and where someone was allowed to drive, after two years.
The measure also creates a new misdemeanor of organizing or promoting illegal drag racing or laying drags.
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The bill echoes a separate one filed earlier in the year named for Jaye Sanford, who was killed in November 2020 by a driver racing in DeKalb County.
"It certainly will not bring back my daughter-in-law, but it will give us some comfort in knowing that other families may have ... that we can save lives, that we can make the public aware of this growing crisis and that we will be doing something about it." Bobbie Sanford said.
SEE ALSO: Atlanta police shows efforts to crack down on street racing
In recent months around metro Atlanta, police departments have reported an increase in drivers "laying drag" or illegally stunt racing on city streets and highways.
Street racing advocates have said they’re working to find a safe place for drivers to participate in drag racing activities.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.