by Attorney Eric D. PuryearIowa law prohibits drag racing and defines the crime in Iowa Code section 321.278 as follows:
No person shall engage in any motor vehicle speed contest or exhibition of speed on any street or highway of this state and no person shall aid or abet any motor vehicle speed contest or speed exhibition on any street or highway of this state, except that a passenger shall not be considered as aiding and abetting. Motor vehicle speed contest or exhibition of speed are defined as one or more persons competing in speed in excess of the applicable speed limit in vehicles on the public streets or highways.
A drag racing charge in Iowa is a simple misdemeanor, meaning the maximum penalty is 30 days in the county jail. There can also be driver’s license consequences and an increase in the cost of insurance for a person who is convicted of drag racing.
Additionally, in cases where the “drag racing” charge in Iowa does not fit the facts of the case (such as were the speed limit was not exceeded), the police or prosecutors may instead file a Reckless Driving or a Careless Driving charge. In serious cases where there is injury or loss of life, then very serious felony charges can be expected as well.