WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR STREET RACING IN KANSAS CITY?

There’s no denying it — Kansas City loves cars. From the hum of weekend cruise nights to the roar of the American Royal Parade, car culture runs deep here. But there’s a fine line between showing off horsepower and crossing into criminal territory.

If you’re accused of street racing in Kansas City, Missouri, you’re not just facing a ticket — you could be facing criminal charges, jail time, license suspension, and a permanent mark on your record.

At Speeding Ticket KC we want you to understand the charges against you and why hiring an experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyer is crucial if you’ve been charged with street racing or “exhibition driving.”

WHAT IS CONSIDERED STREET RACING IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI?

Missouri law takes street racing seriously. Under RSMo 304.351 and 304.850, “speed competitions” or “races” include any willful attempt by one or more drivers to outdistance another or to test their vehicle’s speed, acceleration, or endurance.

That means you don’t have to be part of an organized race. If police believe you were:

• Revving engines to challenge another driver,
• Accelerating aggressively when lined up at a light,
• Blocking off a street or parking lot for racing, or
• Participating as a spectator or organizer,

Any of these could end with you being charged with street racing. In other words, if it looks like racing, Missouri law treats it like racing.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR STREET RACING IN KANSAS CITY

Street racing is far from a “simple” traffic violation — it’s a criminal offense.

Here’s how penalties typically break down:

First Offense: Classified as a Class A misdemeanor, which can include up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000. Your driver’s license may also be suspended for 30 days to a year, depending on the circumstances.

Second or Subsequent Offense: Escalates to a Class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison and higher fines. Felony convictions can also permanently impact employment, housing, and firearm rights.

If the Race Causes Injury or Death: The offense can rise to a Class C felony (up to 10 years in prison). If someone dies as a result of the race, prosecutors can pursue vehicular manslaughter charges, which carry even harsher penalties.

Kansas City has gone even further than the state on cracking down. Local ordinances now impose stricter fines, vehicle impoundment, and potential jail time for street racing or organizing “sideshows.” Even spectators at these events can face citations or arrest.

ADDITIONAL CONSEQUENCES BEYOND FINES AND JAIL

The financial penalties are only the beginning. If convicted, you could face:

• Driver’s license suspension or revocation.
• Increased insurance premiums or cancellation.
• Vehicle impoundment — sometimes for weeks or months.
• Permanent criminal record, visible to employers and schools.
• Points on your driving record, increasing your risk of losing your license altogether.

Even being charged (not convicted) can cause major issues, especially for those with commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), students, or professionals in regulated industries.

HOW POLICE PROVE STREET RACING

Officers often rely on video evidence, eyewitness statements, social media posts, or dash/body-cam footage to make their case. Unfortunately, many of these cases hinge on subjective interpretations — what looks like “racing” to one officer may have been simple acceleration to merge onto a highway.

That’s where a defense attorney can make a major difference.

POSSIBLE DEFENSES AGAINST STREET RACING CHARGES IN MISSOURI

At Speeding Ticket KC, we’ve seen how aggressive Kansas City prosecutors can be in these cases and how often innocent or exaggerated charges are filed. A skilled Kansas City traffic defense lawyer can:

• Challenge the officer’s observations and lack of direct proof.
• Review all dashcam, surveillance, or social media footage.
• Argue that no actual “competition” occurred.
• Work to reduce charges to a non-criminal traffic offense.
• Protect your driving privileges and negotiate for minimal penalties.

Many cases can be resolved without jail time or a criminal record, especially for first-time offenders who act quickly and responsibly.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE CHARGED WITH STREET RACING IN KANSAS CITY

If you or someone you know has been cited or arrested for street racing, don’t try to handle it on your own. The combination of criminal charges, vehicle impoundment, and license suspension can be overwhelming and costly.

At Speeding Ticket KC, our affordable Missouri traffic defense attorneys have defended clients across Kansas City and throughout Missouri against traffic-related criminal charges. Our attorneys know the system, the prosecutors, and how to protect your future when one mistake threatens everything.

Traffic tickets can follow you for years, but Speeding Ticket KC helps Missouri drivers keep their records clean and their insurance rates low. Our Kansas City traffic attorneys specialize in fighting speeding tickets, stop sign violations, and other moving infractions. We know how to handle cases efficiently — often without you ever having to appear in court.

CALL SPEEDING TICKET KC TODAY

Every driver deserves a fair defense, and we make that process simple and affordable. Don’t pay a ticket and assume it’s over; in Missouri, that payment counts as a conviction.

Contact Speeding Ticket KC today to speak with a skilled Kansas City traffic lawyer who can help you avoid fines, points, and long-term damage to your driving record.

Street racing in Missouri isn’t a traffic ticket — it’s a crime that can follow you for years. But a charge doesn’t mean a conviction. With experienced legal help, it’s often possible to reduce or dismiss the charges, protect your license, and keep your record clean.

If you’ve been charged with street racing, reckless driving, or related traffic crimes in Kansas City, contact Speeding Ticket KC today. We’ll fight for your rights, your record, and your ability to keep driving.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.