Watching Street Racing In Spots Like Midtown Could Get You Fined

ATLANTA, GA — Street racing in Atlanta is an issue the city has been trying to stop. Now, even bystanders will be targeted. The Atlanta City Council approved legislation Monday stating that people who watch or record could be fine or even face jail time.

They can earn themselves a $1,000 fine and jail time up to six months.

“According to the legislation, violations will be punished by a minimum fine of $1,000 and court costs or imprisonment for not more than six months, or by any one or more of these punishments subject to all limitations contained in the charter of the city or applicable state law,” the city council said in a news release.

The Atlanta Police Department, in partnership with several state and local law enforcement partners, conducted a weekend-long operation in May that resulted in the arrest of 44 people for activities related to illegal street racing.

Arrests and citations were issued at several locations throughout the city that have been hotspots for such activity in the past, including interstates and Spring Street in Midtown, said police.

Atlanta police said 114 citations were issued, 29 vehicles were impounded, and four firearms were recovered, including a semi-automatic rifle.