Legislation that would greatly strengthen the penalties for drag racing on New Jersey’s roads and highways has been approved by the Senate. The measure (S-797) is sponsored by Senator Andy Ciesla (R-10) and was drafted in response to a number of fatal car crashes in which drag racing was known to be, or believed to be, involved.
“The death rate on local roads has been on the rise this past year, ” said Ciesla. “Many fatalities, including those of innocent victims, have been caused by irresponsible drivers racing cars on our roads at high rates of speed.”
Under current law, a person who is convicted of operating a motor vehicle on a public highway in a race with another motor vehicle, or to make a speed record, is fined just $25 to $100 for a first offense. A second offense is currently punishable by a fine of $100 to $200, a term of imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both.
Under Ciesla’s legislation, violations of the state’s drag racing laws would be punishable as crimes of the fourth degree with the potential for terms of imprisonment of up to 18 months. Additionally, monetary fines for violations of the statute would rise to between $500 and $1000 for a first offense, and to between $1, 000 and $2, 000 for a second or subsequent offense.
“New Jersey’s roads are far too congested to tolerate any form of drag racing, ” added Ciesla. “My legislation would ensure that drivers caught drag racing and endangering others on New Jersey’s roads face rigid fines and the possibility of imprisonment.”
Ciesla’s legislation now heads to the Assembly for consideration.
Link to Post:
http://www.senatenj.com/index.php/ciesla/bill-to-upgrad-penalties-for-drag-racing-passes-senate/325
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