TN DRAG RACING

55-10-501. Definitions. As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Drag racing" means: (A) That use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the maximum speed obtainable by the vehicle; (B) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the highest obtainable speed of the vehicle within a certain distance or within a certain time limit; (C) The use of any one (1) or more motor vehicles for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds of such vehicle or vehicles, or for comparing the relative speeds of such vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or within a certain time limit; (D) The use of one (1) or more motor vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance or to arrive at a given destination simultaneous with or prior to that of any other motor vehicle; or (E) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of the accepting of, or the carrying out of any challenge, made orally, in writing, or otherwise, made or received with reference to the performance abilities of one (1) or more motor vehicles;

(2) "Participant" means that person or persons who operate any motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon the public highways of this state, or that of any municipality or political subdivision thereof, for the purpose of "drag racing" as herein defined, and also any person or persons who arrange for, supervise, or in any way and manner set in motion any such "drag racing" as herein defined, regardless of whether or not such person or persons may be the operator of, or be a passenger in, any motor vehicle participating in such "drag racing"; and

(3) "Public highways" means all of the streets, roads, highways, expressways, bridges and viaducts, including any and all adjacent rights-of-way thereto, which are owned, constructed, and/or maintained by the state of Tennessee, and/or any municipality or political subdivision of the state of Tennessee, and any and all highways, roads, streets, etc., which have been dedicated to the public use. [Acts 1959, ch. 115, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1040.]

55-10-502. Penalty.

Drag racing is hereby declared to be a Class B misdemeanor, and any person or persons who operate a motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon the public highways of this state, or while on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, any apartment house complex, or any other premises generally frequented by the public at large, or who is a participant therein, for the purpose of "drag racing" commits a Class B misdemeanor unless such premises are properly licensed for such purpose. [Acts 1959, ch. 115, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-1041; Acts 1986, ch. 842, § 14; 1989, ch. 591, § 112.]

55-10-503. Additional penalties - Restricted licenses - Revocation of license.

(a) (1) In addition to the punishment hereinbefore prescribed, the department shall revoke, for a period of one (1) year, the driver license of any person or persons convicted of "drag racing."

(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), the trial judge has the discretion to allow the continued use of a restricted motor vehicle operator's license or order the issuance of a restricted motor vehicle operator's license to a person convicted of drag racing for the first time to the same extent, for the same purposes, under the same conditions and in the same manner as is authorized in § 55-10-403(d) for persons convicted for the first time of driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

(b) In addition to the punishment hereinbefore prescribed, the department shall permanently revoke the driver license of any person or persons convicted of "drag racing" for the second time within a ten-year period, and such person or persons shall not thereafter be entitled to drive or operate a motor vehicle upon any public highway of this state.

[Acts 1959, ch. 115, § 3; T.C.A., § 59-1042; Acts 1986, ch. 842, § 15; 1987, ch. 407, § 1.]