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Cabra
01-21-2006, 06:52 PM
CHAPTER 33. RULES OF THE ROAD IN GENERAL
Subchapter F - Speed Restrictions.
§ 3367. Racing on highways.

(a) Definitions.--As used in this section the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

"Drag race."
The operation of two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other, or the operation of one or more vehicles over a common selected course, from the same point to the same point, for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of the vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or time limit.
"Race."
The use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance or prevent another vehicle from passing, to arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles, or to test the physical stamina or endurance of drivers over long distance driving routes.

(b) General rule.--No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record, and no person shall in any manner participate in any such race, competition, contest, test or exhibition.

(c) Permits for special activities.--The department or local authorities within their jurisdiction may issue permits for special activities which would otherwise be prohibited by this section.

(d) Penalty.--Any person violating this section is guilty of a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $200.

Nowhere in here do I see anything that says it's illegal to watch a race....except MAYBE this:

(b) General rule.--No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed or acceleration, or for the purpose of making a speed record, and no person shall in any manner participate in any such race, competition, contest, test or exhibition.

If this is the sole basis for issuing citations to spectators, I think it's a pretty weak excuse. After all, you would not consider the spectators at a NASCAR event to be participants, would you?

Is there some other section of State or local law that better spells this out?

By the way..no disrespect intended....just a little confused and having a hard time swallowing this one.

04CROWNVIC
01-21-2006, 11:35 PM
With out spectators there might not be a race.. If you have the threat of an expensive ticket and the chance of loosing your license you may not want to be down there watching or standing around in the street block traffic and causing a hazardous situation...another reason is safety if there are less people standing around watching there is less of a chance of someone getting killed by an out-of-control car.. comparing NASCAR and illegal street racing :screwy:

Cabra
01-22-2006, 02:32 AM
comparing NASCAR and illegal street racing :screwy:

Dont get me wrong, I'm not camparing NASCAR to street racing, just making a point that spectators are not participants.....and we all know that there would still be street racing if there were only racers and no "innocent" spectators....
But I digress.....I was really wanting to know what the specific law is forbidding watching a street race.....is it explained in the section I posted, or is there something else?