Street Racing

When someone is driving in a way that puts others at risk, they may be driving recklessly. Driving at very high speeds can be dangerous and injure those in the vehicle and those surrounding the vehicle.

Under the Utah Code §41-6a-606, a person may not engage in any motor vehicle speed contest or exhibition of speed on a highway. It is also illegal to obstruct or place any barricade or obstruction or assist or participate in placing any barricade or obstruction upon any highway for any purpose to facilitate a speed contest.

Street Racing Attorney in Salt Lake City

If you or a loved one is facing traffic or street racing charges in Salt Lake City, Utah or the surrounding areas, it is important to speak with the lawyers of Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat as soon as possible.

No matter the legal problem you may face in Utah, our expert attorneys will discuss your case and help you protect your rights and explore the best course of action to get a positive resolution of your case.

Call Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat at (801) 532-5297 today.

Additional Information About Street Racing Crimes

Street Racing Penalties

Those who are found guilty of engaging in street racing will face Class A criminal misdemeanor charges. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable by:

  • imprisonment up to 364 days
  • a fine up to $2,500

A street racing conviction also means your driver license will be suspended. The suspension is 60 days for a first offense and 90 days for a second offense within three years of the prior offense. When someone has a speed racing incident placed on their driving record, points will be assessed as well. 

Utah Reckless Driving

The State of Utah defines reckless driving as the operation of a vehicle in a manner that shows willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. “Willful or wanton disregard” is defined as speeds in excess of 105 mph or committing three or more traffic violations in a series of acts within a single episode of driving in a space of three miles or shorter.

If convicted of reckless driving, an offender may be charged with a class B misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of up to 6 months and fines of up to $1,000. Points may also be assessed against the driver’s license, which can cause an automatic license suspension.

Reckless driving is a moving traffic offense and should be taken very seriously. When someone is injured as a result of another person’s speed racing or driving recklessly, the driver will be prosecuted aggressively. If the incident resulted in death, the charges and the penalties will be more severe.

Lawyers for Street Racing in Salt Lake City, Utah

If you or a loved one is facing street racing or reckless driving charges in Salt Lake City or the surrounding areas, it is important to contact the criminal defense lawyers of Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat today. 

Law enforcement officers have a lot of discretion in charging an individual with reckless driving and other crimes. Sometimes this discretion is abused and defendants are charged disproportionately. If you believe that this may be the case in your situation or if you want to see the criteria needed for a person to be convicted of a traffic offense in Utah, we can help. Our knowledgeable defense attorneys may seek to have your charges reduced, dismissed, or pled out in a plea agreement. 

We will find the best solution for your particular case and work with you to reach a positive outcome. Contact Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat at (801) 532-5297 today.

Criminal Defense — Utah

Frequently Asked Questions: Utah Street Racing Laws

1 What is legally considered street racing in Utah?

Under Utah Code § 41-6a-606, street racing is defined as engaging in a motor vehicle speed contest or an exhibition of speed on any highway. This doesn't just apply to two cars racing — it also covers exhibitions of speed like burnouts, drifting, or donuts. Additionally, assisting in a race by placing barricades or obstructing traffic to facilitate a contest is also illegal under this statute.

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2 Is street racing a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?

In Utah, street racing is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, which is the highest level of misdemeanor in the state. If the racing incident involves reckless driving — defined as speeds exceeding 105 mph or committing three or more traffic violations in a single episode — you may face additional Class B misdemeanor charges or enhanced penalties if someone is injured.

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3 What are the penalties for a street racing conviction in Salt Lake City?

A conviction for a Class A misdemeanor street racing charge may carry significant penalties, including:

  • Jail Time: Up to 364 days in county jail.
  • Fines: Up to $2,500 plus surcharges.
  • License Suspension: An automatic 60-day suspension for a first offense and a 90-day suspension for a second offense within three years.
  • Vehicle Seizure: If the vehicle used is non-street legal, it may be subject to seizure by law enforcement.
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4 How many points is a street racing or reckless driving ticket worth in Utah?

While a specific speed contest conviction leads to an automatic license suspension, related charges like reckless driving add 80 points to your Utah driving record. For drivers under 21, accumulating 70 points can trigger a license suspension. For those 21 and older, the threshold is 200 points within a three-year period.

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5 Can a lawyer help me get a street racing charge dismissed?

Yes. An experienced Salt Lake City defense attorney can evaluate whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the stop and whether the prosecution can prove the intent to race. Common defense strategies include challenging the exhibition of speed definition, negotiating for a reduction to a lower traffic offense to save your driver's license, or seeking a plea agreement that avoids jail time.

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DISCLAIMER: The information in this document is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Contacting Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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