What Is Street Racing Under Michigan Law?

Street racing is not a new phenomenon, but it has evolved over the years from innocent drag racing in empty parking lots to high-speed contests on public roads. In Michigan, street racing is a criminal offense with specific statutes that make it illegal.

Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 257.626a outlines the offense: "A person shall not engage in any motor vehicle speed contest or acceleration contest on a highway or street." In simpler terms, this means it's illegal to race another vehicle on any public roadway.

• First Offense: Misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail, 2 points on your license, fines, and possible vehicle forfeiture or immobilization.
• Subsequent Offenses: You could face longer jail time, higher fines, and the court may impose harsher penalties based on your driving history.

What many young drivers and college students do not realize is that simply initiating or accepting a challenge to race can be enough for an officer to issue a citation. Actual racing doesn’t even need to occur.

Reckless Driving: A Broader Offense with Serious Consequences

Reckless driving is another common charge that authorities in the Detroit and Ann Arbor areas are increasingly applying, especially when street racing is hard to prove but dangerous driving behavior is clearly observed.

Under MCL 257.626, reckless driving is defined as "operating a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property."

Penalties for Reckless Driving in Michigan

• First Charge: Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500.
• License Points and Suspension: A reckless driving conviction adds six points to your license and carries a mandatory 90-day license suspension.
• If Injury Occurs: Felony charges may apply, and you could be looking at prison time if someone is seriously injured or killed.

This is one of those charges where police can use their discretion based on the totality of circumstances—excessive speed, swerving, cutting other drivers off, or running red lights might all result in a reckless driving citation.

Why June Prompts a Spike in These Offenses

During the early summer months, law enforcement across Wayne and Washtenaw Counties often reports a dramatic increase in aggressive driving behavior. Here are a few reasons why June is so notable:

• End of School Year: Teenagers and college students are out of school and looking for excitement—often cruising late at night.
• Summer Gatherings: Car meets, parties, and social gatherings tend to lead to risk-taking behind the wheel.
• Longer Days: With more hours of daylight, more people stay on the roads later into the evening, often leading to busy roadways mixed with impulsive youth behavior.

Local roads like Hines Drive, M-14, I-275, US-23, and even packed downtown streets can become racetracks for young and inexperienced drivers. What starts out as a friendly competition can turn into a criminal case fairly quickly.

Legal Consequences: More Than Just a Ticket

Many drivers believe that because the vehicle never crashed or no one was hurt, the consequences can’t be too severe. The reality is quite the opposite in Michigan.

Vehicle Impoundment

If you're charged with street racing or even suspected of it, police can have your vehicle towed and potentially pursue forfeiture proceedings through civil asset forfeiture laws.

Driver’s License Sanctions

• You can receive points that drastically increase your insurance premiums.
• Your license can be suspended or even revoked depending on the outcome of your case.

Long-Term Repercussions

Aside from license issues, a criminal conviction—especially for those in college or starting careers—can prevent you from obtaining scholarships, internships, or gainful employment. It might also be reported on background checks for years to come.

Defending Against Street Racing or Reckless Driving Charges

Not every charge sticks. These cases often rely heavily on officer observation, witness statements, and sometimes questionable video evidence. We have successfully defended clients by challenging each piece of the prosecution’s case.

• Was there truly a race, or were two drivers merely accelerating at the same time?
• Were there any neutral witnesses confirming erratic driving?
• Was radar properly calibrated? Was speed measurement valid?

In many cases, we’ve been able to get charges reduced to civil infractions or even dismissed entirely.

For example, we represented a University of Michigan student accused of reckless driving on Stadium Boulevard. Originally facing a 90-day license suspension and jail time, we successfully negotiated and reduced the charge to careless driving, resulting in just a fine and no points to affect insurance.

Hotspots for Enforcement in Detroit and Ann Arbor

Law enforcement in southeast Michigan is well aware of where these illegal activities tend to occur and often set up targeted operations accordingly. If you’re in any of the areas below, you can expect to see an increased police presence during June and July:

• Detroit: The I-96 corridor, especially near Telegraph Road, has seen numerous arrests.
• Ann Arbor: Areas near Main Street, State Street, and Washtenaw Avenue are often monitored during U-M events and summer weekends.
• Plymouth and Canton: Sheldon Road and M-14 intersections have become hotspots for late-night speeding and racing activity.

Officers in these areas are proactively stopping drivers for even minor violations if they suspect any involvement in reckless driving.

What to Do If You’re Charged with Reckless Driving or Street Racing in Michigan

If you're facing charges for street racing or reckless driving in Michigan, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. These are criminal charges and could change your life if not handled properly. Your first step should be to seek experienced legal guidance. That’s where we come in.

Whether you're a first-time offender or have prior citations, Michigan criminal defense attorney Aaron J. Boria has the experience and the tenacity to fight for your rights. If you've been arrested or received a misdemeanor traffic citation in Detroit, Ann Arbor, or anywhere in Southeast Michigan, call (734) 453-7806 today for a free consultation.

We’ll review your case, examine the evidence, and aggressively pursue a strategy that aims for the best possible outcome—whether that's a reduction in charges, elimination of jail time, or keeping your record clean.

Need to speak with someone right away? Visit our criminal defense page for more information or to set up a consultation today.

Conclusion

Street racing and reckless driving are often glamorized in popular media, but in the real world—especially under Michigan law—they aren’t the harmless thrills they seem to be. Criminal charges for these offenses can result in hefty fines, jail time, loss of license, and long-lasting consequences that follow you beyond college or your first job.

As law enforcement officials around Detroit and Ann Arbor increase patrols and sting operations in June and throughout the summer months, it's more important than ever to understand your rights and how to protect your record.

If you or someone you care about is facing charges for reckless driving or street racing, don’t wait. Call criminal defense attorney Aaron J. Boria at (734) 453-7806 for expert representation. We’re here to help guide you through the legal process and fight to keep your future on track.

Your story isn’t over just because you got a ticket or an arrest—let us help you take control of what comes next.