Drag racers may soon have to face even heavier consequences for driving erratically on Mississippi roadways.
House Bill 1272, authored by Rep. Shanda Yates, I-Jackson, would allow law enforcement in municipalities and counties with populations of 25,000 or more to confiscate the vehicles of those convicted of drag racing. Drag racing, per the legislation, is the “operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outpace each other.”
In the event of vehicle forfeiture, the law enforcement agency of the jurisdiction where drag racing occurred would be tasked with confiscating the automobile. The car would then be sold, according to an existing state law regarding agency-forfeited cars. Forfeiture would be in addition to criminal penalties assessed as a result of drag racing.
For those caught in the act for the first time, the penalty consists of a fine between $250 and $1,000 and potentially imprisonment of up to two days. The second offense, if it occurs within five years of the initial infraction, consists of a fine between $600 and $1,000 and up to one year behind bars and community service. A third offense would be categorized as a felony with a fine between $2,000 and $5,000 and up to five years behind bars.
HB 1272, which has the backing of law enforcement officials in Mississippi, aims to drastically reduce drag racing, especially on major highways and interstates that are heavily trafficked. The bill was approved by the House Judiciary A Committee on Thursday and can now be considered by the full chamber.