Accusations of involvement in a speed exhibition or contest in Denver, Arapahoe, or Jefferson County can lead to significant penalties. While these are traffic misdemeanors, defendants still face fines, an immobilized vehicle, and even county jail time. Racing or doing timed trials on highways or any public roads in Denver, Aurora, or Lakewood can be costly. Even squealing tires or swerving in and out of traffic can be enough to encounter allegations. If you or someone you know is being accused of these traffic offenses, contact an experienced speed exhibition lawyer right away.

Colorado Speed Exhibition Laws

Colorado's traffic laws prohibit speed contests and speed exhibitions throughout the state. CRS 42-4-1105 defines these offenses and outlines potential punishments for a conviction. Law enforcement will pursue a speeding contest charge if they believe you:

• knowingly operated one or more motor vehicles,
• to conduct a race or a time trial,
• including rapid acceleration, exceeding reasonable and prudent speeds for highways and conditions, vying for position, or changing lanes to gain advantage over another driver  

Police will look to charge engaging in a speed exhibition if they feel you:

• knowingly operated a motor vehicle in a display of speed or power,
• including squealing tires while stationary or in motion, rapid acceleration, rapid swerving or weaving through traffic, producing smoke from tire slippage, or creating visible tire acceleration marks on a road surface or ground

Organizing a speed contest or exhibition is also unlawful, even if you weren't driving. Facilitating or aiding in the event or creating a barricade or obstruction can lead to charges as well.

How Serious are Speed Contest Charges in Colorado?

Traffic crimes related to speed exhibitions or contests are traffic misdemeanors throughout Colorado. Speed exhibitions are a class 2 traffic misdemeanor and can lead to:

• a county jail sentence of 10 days - 3 months,
• a max fine of $300

However, a speed contest charge is a class 1 traffic misdemeanor. A conviction in these cases may end in:

• a county jail sentence of 10 days - 12 months,
• fines of $300 - $1K

Those charged with these offenses for the second time may get a boot on their car, in addition to a period where the vehicle could be impounded.

Defense Attorney for Engaging in a Speed Contest

Being accused of participating in a speed contest or exhibition requires swift action on the defendant's part. The first step should be contacting a strategic traffic crime attorney. Just because you've been charged with a traffic crime doesn't mean you're guilty. Maybe you were simply speeding, but not racing or the competition occurred on a private roadway. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. Our traffic lawyers will carefully analyze your case, answer your questions, and recommend next steps in your defense. With affordable fees and flexible payment plans, securing a skilled defense attorney is a reality for those facing allegations.

Don't talk to the police about speeding contests - talk to us. 303-830-0880 

Photo by Vova Krasilnikov