Bill > SB1474

This bill comprehensively updates Tennessee's laws regarding street drag racing by expanding definitions and increasing legal penalties. The bill renames "drag racing" to "street drag racing" throughout various legal codes and adds new definitions, including "drifting" (which means steering a vehicle to intentionally make the rear wheels lose traction and create a sideways skid). It broadens the definition of a "participant" to include not just drivers, but anyone who arranges, organizes, promotes, or facilitates street drag racing, and expands the locations where street drag racing can be prosecuted to include commercial properties. The legislation also introduces significant enforcement mechanisms, such as mandating that vehicles used in street drag racing can be impounded for evidence collection, with towing fees charged to the offender. Furthermore, the bill establishes that reckless endangerment through street drag racing is now a Class E felony, and requires law enforcement officers who arrest someone for street drag racing to take the individual before a magistrate rather than issuing a citation. These changes aim to more comprehensively address and deter dangerous vehicular activities that put public safety at risk. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1474&ga=114