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

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

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

It’s called Senate Bill 10.

This 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.

The law comes after a local street race ended tragically.

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

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

“This now gives law enforcement an opportunity to not only go after the drivers, but also those who are organizing the events and blocking our highways, streets and roads across our great state,” Jones said.

His bill passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support.

“We saw people putting their lives in danger. It attracts large crowds of people where we could cause massive chaos, massive incidents hurting people,” Republican Sen. John Albers said.

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 “knowingly exhibiting and actively facilitating” 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.