A street racing ticket is one of the most serious moving violations you can receive. It covers two related offenses: competing in an actual speed contest with another driver, and “exhibition of speed,” which means accelerating recklessly to show off — even if you are driving alone. Police issue these tickets after witnessing burnouts, rapid acceleration from a stoplight, or organized races on public roads.
In most states, a street racing ticket is charged as a misdemeanor, not a simple traffic infraction. That means it can carry jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record.
What a Street Racing Ticket Costs
The fine for a street racing ticket varies widely by state. Some states set a low base fine but add heavy penalty assessments on top. Others impose steep maximums right in the statute. However, the fine is only one piece of the total cost. Impound fees, court costs, license reinstatement fees, and higher insurance premiums usually add thousands more.
Here are the fines and points for five states where street racing tickets are common:
| State | Statute | Fine (1st Offense) | Points | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | VC 23109(a) | $355–$1,000 base fine | 2 points | 90 days–6 months |
| Texas | TC 545.420 | Up to $2,000 | Not specified | 1 year (mandatory) |
| Florida | FS 316.191 | $500–$1,000 | 3 points | 1 year revocation (mandatory) |
| New York | VTL 1182 | $300–$525 | 0 (license revoked instead) | Mandatory revocation |
| Virginia | VA 46.2-865 | Up to $2,500 | 6 points (11-year record) | 6 months–2 years (mandatory) |
Keep in mind that California’s base fines are misleading. Penalty assessments typically multiply the base fine by 5 to 10 times. As a result, a $355 base fine often turns into $1,500 to $2,500 in actual court-assessed costs. Check your own state’s fine schedule or your state’s ticket guide for the exact number you would owe.
Does a Street Racing Ticket Add Points?
In most cases, yes — a street racing ticket adds points to your driving record. California adds 2 points per conviction. Florida adds 3 points. Virginia adds 6 demerit points, and those stay on your record for 11 years. The only major exception is New York, which does not assign points because the license is automatically revoked upon conviction instead.
Points matter because they trigger additional consequences. Accumulate too many and your state DMV may suspend your license on top of any court-ordered suspension. For example, California suspends your license if you accumulate 4 points in 12 months. A single street racing ticket puts you halfway there.
Typically, a street racing conviction stays on your driving record for 5 to 11 years depending on your state. Virginia is especially harsh — 6 points remain for 11 years, and the conviction cannot be expunged from your criminal record. In California, a street racing ticket stays on your DMV record for 7 years.
How a Street Racing Ticket Affects Your Insurance
Insurance companies treat a street racing ticket the same way they treat reckless driving — as a major violation. According to WalletHub, the average national premium increase after a reckless driving conviction is about 91%. The Zebra reports increases of up to 70% from a single major violation. In dollar terms, that can mean an extra $1,500 or more per year in premiums.
The impact varies by state. In North Carolina, drivers have seen increases as high as 375% after a racing conviction. In Texas, the average increase is closer to 41%. However, no matter where you live, expect your rates to stay elevated for 3 to 5 years — that is the typical look-back period insurers use for major violations.
Some insurers may drop you entirely after a street racing ticket. If that happens, you may need to find a high-risk insurer, which charges significantly more. This is one reason many drivers fight the charge or negotiate a plea reduction — even dropping from “speed contest” to a lesser offense can save thousands in insurance costs over time.
Can You Fight a Street Racing Ticket?
Many drivers can successfully contest or reduce a street racing ticket. Because this is typically a misdemeanor charge, you have the right to a full trial — not just a traffic court hearing. That also means you may want to consult a traffic attorney, especially if jail time is on the table.
Common defenses include challenging intent. Both speed contests and exhibition of speed require proof that you acted willfully. If your rapid acceleration was caused by a mechanical issue, loss of traction on a wet road, or an emergency maneuver to avoid a collision, you may be able to argue there was no intent.
Another defense is insufficient evidence — if there is no video, no radar reading, and no corroborating witness, the prosecution’s case may be weak. Misidentification is also common in chaotic multi-car scenes where police may cite the wrong driver.
Even if the evidence is strong, plea negotiations are common with a street racing ticket. In California, for example, a speed contest charge under VC 23109(a) is routinely reduced to exhibition of speed under VC 23109(c). That reduction eliminates the mandatory 24-hour jail minimum and lowers the maximum fine from $1,000 to $500. It still adds 2 points, but many drivers find the trade-off worthwhile.
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Vehicle Impound and Extra Penalties
Beyond the fine and points, a street racing ticket often triggers vehicle impound. In California, your car can be impounded for up to 30 days. In Texas, officers are required by law to impound your vehicle on the spot. Florida allows impound for up to 30 business days. Impound and towing fees typically add $300 to $1,600 to your total cost.
Second offenses get much worse. In Texas, a second street racing ticket is upgraded to a Class A misdemeanor with fines up to $4,000 and up to 1 year in jail. A third offense becomes a state jail felony with fines up to $10,000. In Florida, a second offense within 5 years doubles the license revocation to 2 years and makes your vehicle eligible for permanent forfeiture. Virginia can seize your vehicle permanently if the race was prearranged and organized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a street racing ticket a misdemeanor or a traffic infraction?
In most states, a street racing ticket is a criminal misdemeanor — not a simple traffic infraction. This means it can appear on a criminal background check. In California, exhibition of speed can sometimes be reduced to an infraction through a plea deal, but the original charge is a misdemeanor.
Can I get a street racing ticket even if I was not actually racing anyone?
Yes. Many states have “exhibition of speed” laws that apply to a single driver. In California, revving your engine loudly and accelerating rapidly from a stoplight can qualify — even if no other car was involved. The key element is showing off or driving recklessly to impress others.
Will a street racing ticket show up on my criminal record?
In most states, yes — because it is a misdemeanor. In Virginia, a street racing conviction cannot be expunged and stays on your criminal record permanently. In other states, you may be able to petition for expungement after a waiting period. Check with your local court for the rules in your jurisdiction.
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Find Your State’s Exact Rules
Fines, points, and the process to fight a ticket all change from state to state. Pick your state to see the exact fine by how fast you were going, the points it adds, and your options to fight it or take traffic school.
Sources & How to Verify
The figures and rules on this page are drawn from official sources. Always confirm the exact amount and procedure with your state DMV or the court listed on your citation.
- NHTSA: nhtsa.gov — national speeding and speed-management data
- GHSA: ghsa.org — state traffic-law summaries and automated-enforcement data
- IIHS: iihs.org — insurance and crash-risk research
- Cornell LII: law.cornell.edu/wex — plain-English legal definitions
- Your state DMV & court: search “[your state] DMV points” and the court named on your ticket for the exact fine schedule
Content last reviewed June 2026. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
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Informational only. Speeding Ticket Guide is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, and this page does not provide legal advice. Fines, points, and rules are estimates for general guidance and can change — always verify the exact amount and procedure with your state DMV or the court listed on your citation. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed traffic attorney in your state.