Another young Californian is dead from street racing. One day after a police sting to catch street racers, Joe Manriquez of Bakersfield, California, aged 24, crashed into a power pole while racing another car on McCutcheon Road.

Whether you call them speed contests, drag races or street races, they are illegal in California. Under state law, it is illegal to engage in an exhibition of speed on public streets or highways using a motor vehicle. The law does not distinguish between one car racing against another or against a timing device.

Severe consequences

In addition to facing the consequences of catastrophic injury or even death, California law provides for legal penalties for street racers. The following are a sampling of the legal consequences for participating in speed contests:

• Imprisonment for up to three months
• $1,000 fine
• Impounding of your vehicle for 30 days
• Revocation of driver license
• Cancellation of automobile insurance or a drastic increase in premium

The California Highway Patrol explains that when a car is impounded for street racing, the towing, storage and other fees can total more than $1,100.  Law enforcement in California enforces additional laws to dissuade street racers who have significantly altered the mechanics of their autos to succeed in speed contests.

It is illegal to be a spectator

Simply watching a street race may lead you to imprisonment in California. California law forbids a person from assisting in a speed contest. For example, a person cannot obstruct the street or place a barricade to allow a speed contest. Violation of the sections of the law forbidding speed contests, even by a spectator, may lead to the previously mentioned fines and imprisonment terms.

Engaging in street races turns a person’s automobile into a lethal weapon. If you have been hurt by a speed contest, contact a San Diego car accident attorney who can help you recover what you deserve.  Call now for a free consultation.