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What is considered “Racing on Highways”?

Running late to work? Trying to get home on time for dinner? Seems reasonable, considering we have all raced on the highway at one time or another. I mean it’s not like we are on the set of Fast & Furious, looking to do some drag racing. But the charge of “Racing on Highways” is pretty serious and was created to prevent street racing in Florida. 

It’s defined as “an attempt to out-gain or out-distance another motor vehicle, to prevent another motor vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another motor vehicle or motor vehicles, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long-distance driving routes.” It’s a pretty vague charge and one that shouldn’t be treated as if it were your run-of-the-mill traffic violation. This isn’t the same as a speeding ticket, or running a red light. 

The penalties are stiff for “Racing on Highways”. You will have to deal with a minimum fine of $500 and maximum fine of up to $1,000 for first time offense. A second offense and the minimum fine will increase to $1,000, with a maximum fine of $3,000. That doesn’t even take into account the potential of having your license revoked and your vehicle impounded. A conviction can also result in a creation of a criminal record.

With the help of a skilled lawyer, a legit defense can be built to prove your innocence. There is a chance that the police officer never witnessed the alleged “racing”, and that your actual speed during the “racing” doesn’t warrant a charge of “Racing on Highway”. 

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