Laying Drag Arrests and Citations in Atlanta, Georgia

This past year saw a new illegal trend in Atlanta: Laying Drag. We saw it everywhere from local news coverage to live streamed social media posts of cars driven in a circular course while bystanders gathered to look on. In response to the increase in Laying Drag in Atlanta, the Atlanta Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol has cracked down by issuing hefty citations and making arrests for those involved. In fact, Atlanta Police Department has a specific street racing detail that “aggressively monitors and pursues” those involved in laying drag or street racing. Likewise, there has been a sharp increase in prosecutions for laying drag.

 

Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-251, Georgia law prohibits drivers from operating their vehicle in a manner that creates a danger to persons or property by intentionally and unnecessarily causing the vehicle to move in a zigzag or circular course or to gyrate or spin around. Citations or arrests can be made if laying drag was on highways, streets, or even in parking lots.

 

The exception under Georgia law for driving in such a way is to avoid an accident or collision. Otherwise, laying drag in Georgia is a misdemeanor criminal offense. The penalty for misdemeanors in Georgia is jail time up to 12 months or a $1,000 fine, or both. Paying a ticket online or at court for laying drag is a guilty plea and admission of guilt.

 

If convicted of Laying Drags in Georgia, the Department of Driver Services will also assess 3 points onto your driver’s license. This can cause insurance premium increases and even a license suspension depending on what other citations you have on your record, or are given at the same time as Laying Drag. For example, most police officers will issue at a minimum BOTH a Laying Drag ticket simultaneously with a Reckless Driving ticket. Reckless Driving is a charge that is reported to your criminal history and would assess an additional 4 points on your motor vehicle report.

 

Given the increase in police patrols and news coverage on this type of driving behavior, it is imperative to have an attorney advocate for you in court if you are cited or arrested for laying drag. Skilled lawyers can negotiate favorable resolutions. Both bench trials and jury trials are an option in Laying drag cases. Give us a call today for a FREE CONSULTATION at 404-581-0999 to discuss your case.