Street Racing Lawyer Needed? When Tampa and St. Petersburg law enforcement throw the checkered flag on a street race, don’t make your next stop in court alone. Police are cracking down—not just on racers, but on spectators too. If you were at the scene on Fourth Street N, Courtney Campbell Parkway, or Gandy Boulevard, you may already be a target.
By W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr.
Tampa • St. Petersburg • Hillsborough • Pinellas
Make Your Next Pit Stop Here – Contact Us
When the cops throw the checkered flag, call W.F. “Casey” Ebsary, Jr. at (813) 222-2220 or visit our Contact Page to schedule a consultation. You need a strong legal defense—don’t wait until it’s too late.
Street Racing in Tampa: What You Need to Know
Street racing is not just illegal for those behind the wheel—spectators face penalties too. According to recent crackdowns, officers are:
- Videotaping license plates
- Mailing tickets days after events
- Charging bystanders with aiding/abetting racing
- Issuing DUI arrests and reckless driving charges
If you received a street racing ticket or were arrested, you need to act fast.
Top 5 Things to Know If You Were at a Street Racing Event
| # | What You Need to Know | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spectators Can Be Ticketed | You don’t need to race to face fines or points |
| 2 | Video Evidence is Being Used | Police may collect license plates and video from the scene |
| 3 | Penalties Include Points and Fines | Even a $151 ticket can add 3 points to your license |
| 4 | Vehicles May Be Impounded | Under Florida Statutes, cars can be seized in racing cases |
| 5 | You Have a Right to Legal Defense | Don’t pay a ticket or go to court without legal help |
Florida Street Racing Law
Under Florida Statutes § 316.191, it is illegal to:
- Participate in any drag racing or speed competition
- Coordinate or facilitate such events
- Even be present as a spectator at an illegal street race
Penalties include:
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Vehicle impoundment or forfeiture
- License suspension
- Criminal misdemeanor charges
View the full statute at Justia: Florida § 316.191
Top 5 Defenses for Street Racing or Spectator Tickets
- Lack of Evidence – No proof you were actively involved
- Mistaken Identity – Misread license plate or vehicle confusion
- Constitutional Defenses – Illegal stop, search, or seizure
- Improper Ticket Procedures – Flawed or late ticket delivery
- No Racing Took Place – Mere presence is not always enough
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Under Florida law, spectators at illegal races may be fined and have points added to their license—even without participating.
Penalties range from misdemeanor charges to license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and fines up to $1,000. Repeat offenses carry even harsher penalties.
Call a traffic defense lawyer immediately. Do not pay the ticket before speaking with counsel—doing so may admit guilt and result in points.
Police often rely on video footage, photos, and license plate readers. However, these may be challenged for accuracy or legality.
An experienced Street Racing Lawyer like W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr. can analyze the case, fight evidence, negotiate reductions, or even get charges dismissed.
Call Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer W.F. Casey Ebsary Jr.
If police targeted you at a Tampa or St. Petersburg street racing event, don’t risk your future. Contact a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer who knows Florida traffic law inside and out.
📞 Call Today: 813-222-2220
📍 Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, and surrounding counties
🌐 DUI2Go.com
Make Your Next Pit Stop Here – Contact Us
When the cops throw the checkered flag, call W.F. “Casey” Ebsary, Jr. at (813) 222-2220 or visit our Contact Page to schedule a consultation. You need a strong Street Racing Lawyer — don’t wait until it’s too late.
2009 Post Updated to 2025
Tampa Traffic Attorney notes that area cops cracked down on street racers and fans along Fourth Street N. Everyone began a dash for their cars when cops came down the I-275 interstate ramp. Cops blocked off the street to prevent escaping to I-275 or Gandy Blvd. Another target for traffic law enforcement is the Courtney Campbell Parkway.
The stretch of Fourth from I-275 to the Inlet Bay at Gateway apartment complex is flat and straight, four lanes surrounded by nothing but grass and water.
Earlier officers have arrested four people on misdemeanor racing charges. Cops videotaped license plates of racers and fans alike. A few days later, 130 drivers got $30 parking tickets in the mail. It’s now clear that fans are targets too. A $151 ticket and three points can be placed against a driver’s license. According to the media, the last ticket was written at 4:40 a.m. 31/2 hours, 221 citations, and a DUI arrest.
Complete Story is Here.
When the cops throw the checkered flag at a street race, make your next pit stop with Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer W.F. ”Casey Ebsary, Jr. Toll Free -1-877-793-9290 .
St Petersburg Traffic Attorney