New bill aimed at cracking down on out-of-control, dangerous Atlanta street racing scene (Clayton: buying, cost)

[Born 2 Roll]

On Friday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp held a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol to announce his support for state legislation that aims to crackdown on illegal street racing.

ATLANTA-- Governor Brian Kemp said illegal street racers and those who promote the illicit acts should expect tougher punishments for putting Georgians in danger.

Fellow lawmakers and law enforcement joined the governor at the Capitol on Feb. 19 as the governor introduced House Bill 534, anti-street racing legislation. Kemp said the move is necessary as illegal street racing has become a big issue in the state, specifically in Atlanta, and that the new legislation would "modernize our code to include these popular activities that put Georgians in harm's way."

Kemp said he's optimistic the bill will pass during this legislative session and said it has widespread support.

Governor Kemp: Georgia highways will not be a "free-for-all for criminals" (Newschannel 9 ABC Chattanooga)

[Born 2 Roll]

ATLANTA — Street racing is such a problem in metro Atlanta that the governor wants to crack down on it.

Gov. Kemp held a news conference Friday afternoon where he wants the state to get involved. He’s calling for stiffer penalties for the drivers and the people organizing the events.

Legislation is expected to be introduced soon that would have much tougher rules, including revoking drivers licenses for up to 12 months, heavy fines and up to a felony offense.

Gov. Kemp announces new crackdown on illegal street racing (WSB-TV Atlanta)

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by SAAN

Simple Solution: No Bond and License revoked

Fixed

[brownhornet]

LaGrange solved this issue by building a track. It's honestly surprising that with as big as the metro is there's no track here outside of commerce which is too far. Instead of doing craziness in the streets, everyone started going to the track on Friday and Sunday nights instead.

[aslowdodge]

Originally Posted by Born 2 Roll

Well, I wouldn’t say that the Georgia Legislature is not looking for a solution.

But I would say that, solution or no solution, a governing body like the Georgia Legislature never turns down or misses an opportunity for a quick and easy money grab.

And, from what I have heard, the provision to have vehicles with more than 650 horsepower pay extra fees for a special registration is also planned to apply to any vehicle that is modified to have extra power in any way, so they appear to plan to apply that provision more broadly so as to generate more revenue.

In japan they have tight restrictions on power so with cars like the Nissan GT-R Nissan rated the car with less horsepower. Performance said otherwise. Porsche and bmw May also underage their cars too. It’s not inconceivable that other manufacturers could follow suit of measure like the 650hp is passed. Today many cars including passenger cars are in the territory.
Cars like Tesla are going to be penalized too.
I think the effort to enforce may not be worth it. This sounds like something California would do.

[aslowdodge]

Originally Posted by brownhornet

LaGrange solved this issue by building a track. It's honestly surprising that with as big as the metro is there's no track here outside of commerce which is too far. Instead of doing craziness in the streets, everyone started going to the track on Friday and Sunday nights instead.

Did it really help. Back in California we had dragstrips yet the street racing got really popular.
Most people with higher hp cars might hit the strip. Most of the street racing was underpowered imports and lower hp American cars. Lower incomes group that didn’t want to pay the 17 dollar track fee or have to pass safety inspections. That’s the problem group, not the 650 hp owners group.

Side show are not to be confused with street racing, but it appears they are all lumped together.

[RecursiveLoop]

People shutting down a public roadway are breaking the law and should be dealt with accordingly. However the punishment is, that is the agreement you make to obtain a driver's license, which states this in print prior to signing physically with a pen that you agree to comply with applicable laws pertaining to that right.

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by RecursiveLoop

People shutting down a public roadway are breaking the law and should be dealt with accordingly. However the punishment is, that is the agreement you make to obtain a driver's license, which states this in print prior to signing physically with a pen that you agree to comply with applicable laws pertaining to that right.

No one is arguing that. What they are arguing is that the state is pursing a crowd of vehicle owners that are the least likely to be found participating in these events. No one buys a 650 HP car to close off and block a busy street intersection. People who can afford cars with that kind of power (we’re talking about cars that cost $70,000 and higher) generally are smart minded enough to know what not to do on the street. They seem to be using this problem as an excuse to enforce an extra license which in no way enforces the actual problem because the actions are already illegal, there is just no enforcement, and this license won’t change that.

[RecursiveLoop]

Good point...... I hope the enforcement side of it improves.

[AnsleyPark]

Originally Posted by atlHawks

I'm all for it but $1,000 doesn't seem high enough. This fine should scare the crap out of people. Make it $5,000. If you can't pay it, your car goes up for auction.



This will turn into bragging rights amongst those folks...

Agreed, but your car should be impounded regardless of whether the driver can pay the ticket.