Kemp Signs Crackdown on Georgia Street Racing With Felony Penalties

Gov. Brian Kemp made good on his commitment to combat Georgia's street racing problem by signing HB 534, legislation that rewrites the state's approach to drag racing and reckless stunt driving with teeth. The law, sponsored by Republican Rep. Josh Bonner of Peachtree City and backed by Democratic Sen. Emanuel Jones of Decatur, creates new criminal categories that target not just participants but those who promote and organize the dangerous exhibitions.

The legislation defines two distinct offenses: "promoting or organizing an exhibition of illegal drag racing" and "reckless stunt driving," both classified as high and aggravated misdemeanors carrying enhanced fines and potential jail time. First-time offenders convicted of stunt driving face mandatory license suspension for at least one year. A third conviction escalates to felony status and triggers vehicle forfeiture—a provision that Kemp emphasized during a ceremony at the governor's mansion after meeting with Fulton County police chiefs. "By signing HB 534, we are giving our brave men and women in state and local law enforcement another tool in their toolbelt to stop this dangerous, criminal activity," Kemp said.

The escalated response reflects a documented surge in street racing during the early pandemic when emptied highways became informal drag strips across metropolitan Atlanta. Police agencies identified the spike as both a public safety and quality-of-life crisis. Kemp's legislation also increased point assessments on driver's licenses, making repeat violations costlier and faster to suspend driving privileges.

However, the bill has drawn opposition from civil liberties groups. The Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised constitutional concerns about potential overreach, particularly regarding vehicle forfeiture provisions and language making it a misdemeanor to "knowingly" attend a drag race, which critics argue could ensnare innocent bystanders. Despite these objections, the bipartisan measure reflects a rare point of agreement between Kemp's administration and Senate Democrats on a public safety issue affecting Georgia communities statewide.