Understanding Street Racing Laws in Washington State

Street racing laws in Washington State.

Racing is not only dangerous; it is also a crime in Washington. When you engage in street racing, the law considers it a wonton disregard for other people and their property, so the penalties associated with a racing offenses are severe. If you are caught street racing in Washington, you will, at a minimum, face criminal charges that are classified as reckless driving.

A racing conviction in Washington could result in up to 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and a mandatory 30-day license suspension. An arrest and conviction for street racing will also lead to being required to carry expensive SR-22 high-risk insurance for three years after your license is reinstated.

To defend yourself against street racing charges, it is vital you talk to a qualified Washington racing attorney as soon as possible. In Washington, street racing laws are pretty straightforward. 

If you are engaged in a contest of relative speeds with another vehicle, then you are considered to be racing. If you would like to fight your racing charges, then contact a Washington racing lawyer with our law firm today so they can help you determine if you have a chance at a reasonable defense.

A Washington racing attorney can help.

Obviously, there are pretty severe short and long-term consequences to a Washington racing conviction. The effects can creep into every corner of your life through higher insurance rates, fines, and marks on your driving record. With our firm, your Washington DUI lawyer will be dedicated to minimizing these negative results by building an aggressive defense strategy.

Perhaps you would like to fight your racing charges, or see if they can be reduced by negotiating with the prosecutor. Maybe you would like to fight the charges, even if you and your Washington DUI attorney have to go to court. Fortunately, there is a simple, cost-free way you can find out about all of your options.

We offer a free case evaluation with a Washington racing lawyer designed to provide you with the answers you need. Resolving your case is possible, and it is something our Washington drunk driving attorneys do in hundreds of cases every year. With over 30 years of experience, our legal professionals are ready to do the same for you. A Washington street racing lawyer from our team will aggressively fight to protect your legal rights, and help you reach the finish line of your case.

After your free consultation, your situation will come into clearer focus. You will be able to make an informed decision about your future based on sound legal principle. We offer affordable payment options to work with a Washington racing attorney, so there is no reason why you can’t have quality legal representation.

It is vital that you address your racing charges quickly. Ignoring the situation will only make it worse, and your Washington racing lawyer needs time to prepare your defense. We will make sure that you are able to express your version of the events. We will make sure you are being protected by the law. Contact us today if you are ready to challenge the court in a race to the finish.

RCW 46.61.530
Racing of vehicles on highways — Reckless driving — Exception.

No person or persons may race any motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon any public highway of this state. Any person or persons who wilfully compare or contest relative speeds by operation of one or more motor vehicles shall be guilty of racing, which shall constitute reckless driving under RCW 46.61.500, whether or not such speed is in excess of the maximum speed prescribed by law: PROVIDED HOWEVER, That any comparison or contest of the accuracy with which motor vehicles may be operated in terms of relative speeds not in excess of the posted maximum speed does not constitute racing.

[1979 ex.s. c 136 § 87; 1961 c 12 § 46.48.050. Prior: 1937 c 189 § 67; RRS § 6360-67; 1921 c 96 § 32; 1915 c 142 § 25; RRS § 6344. Formerly RCW 46.48.050.]

Notes:
Rules of court: Bail in criminal traffic offense cases -- Mandatory appearance -- CrRLJ 3.2.

Effective date -- Severability -- 1979 ex.s. c 136: See notes following RCW 46.63.010.

Arrest of person involved in racing of vehicles: RCW 10.31.100.