TN governor signs bill making drag racing a felony
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee bill increasing the penalty for drag racing to a felony offense has been signed by Governor Bill Lee.
House Bill 2814 has officially passed, meaning what used to be a Class A misdemeanor is now a Class E felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (D-Memphis) and Representative Jon Gillespie (R-Memphis).
Drag racing on Memphis streets could soon be a felony
“Illegal street racing is a major issue in Memphis and across the state that has led to senseless injuries and death,” Gillespie said in a previous statement. “Tennesseans are tired of feeling unsafe on the road because of careless and dangerous drivers. This legislation seeks to encourage safe driving while serving as a deterrent for people looking to recklessly take over our streets.”
Gillespie’s office previously told WREG that during a six-month period in 2022, Memphis Police reported more than 300 arrests for drag racing and reckless driving. Gillespie said that as of March 2024, more than 35 people had been arrested in Nashville for charges relating to street racing since the year prior.
The Memphis City Council questioned Memphis Police officials about a street “takeover” in February after an event blocked an underpass near the airport.
Video stills presented at the council meeting show dozens of cars parked on Winchester at Swinnea underneath an airport runway overpass. Some of the people involved were seen standing on top of cars.
At that time, Interim Police Chief C.J. Davis told council members MPD had seen a lot of takeovers in another precinct in the city, so resources were sent there.
“We know we have to continue to move where these problems are and try to get in front of them before they actually happen,” said Davis.
She also said she was working on an ordinance allowing a 20-day hold on vehicles involved in these incidents to deter them.
The bill will go into effect on July 1.
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