Starting today, July 1, Georgia drivers caught in illegal street racing will face serious charges.

Starting Monday, Georgian drivers caught in illegal street racing will face stiff penalties.

This comes after several drag racing-related accidents and deaths in the Atlanta metro area. Channel 2’s Bryan Mims learned from this new law, you don’t have to be a driver to be arrested.

This is Senate Bill 10.

He attacks not only drivers, but also people who promote races on social media and even those who use their own cars to block roads for street races.

This law comes after a local street race ended in tragedy.

Democratic Sen. Emanuel Jones points to tragedies like Maddox’s death for introducing Senate Bill 10, which cracks down harder on illegal street racing.

His bill makes it a crime to organize and promote street races on social media or elsewhere.

“Now this gives law enforcement the opportunity to go after not only the drivers, but also those who organize the events and block our highways, streets and roads across our great state,” said Jones.

His bill passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support.

“People have had their lives put in danger. It draws large crowds of people and can cause massive chaos, mass incidents and injuries,” said Republican Sen. John Albers.

The law will allow police to arrest spectators if they actively participate, for example by using their own car to block the road.

Under the law, anyone who “knowingly presents and actively facilitates” street racing can be charged with a misdemeanor and fined $250.

The law also increases fines and penalties for drivers themselves.

“This gives law enforcement the much-needed tools to pursue those who organize and actively participate in these events, as well as those who knowingly attend,” Jones said.

Click here for more information on street racing law.