Mid-South lawmaker wants vehicles used in illegal drag racing seized at time of arrest

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The 2024 Tennessee legislative session is underway and two Shelby County lawmakers are focused not only on taking away offenders’ driving privileges, but their vehicles as well.

Currently, in Tennessee, a drag racing offense is a Class A misdemeanor.

Memphis police have said in the past they respond to hundreds of calls of reckless driving.

State Representative John Gillespie of Memphis says the crime is difficult to convict, but it’s important to do more to deter the activity.

“People just driving down the road going to the grocery store, and a drag racer goes by and cuts them off and they die. I’m hearing way too many say that and they are all so preventable,” said Gillespie.

Gillespie alongside State Senator Brent Taylor created a bill that would allow officers to seize the vehicle used in drag racing at the time of the arrest.

“What we’re seeing is people drag racing $60,70,80-thousand-dollar cars, a $2,500 fine isn’t going to do much, but if we take their 60-or 70-thousand-dollar vehicle away, maybe that will send a stronger message,” said Gillespie.

Gillespie initially introduced this bill last year, but it was deferred for discussion during the 2024 regular session.

Gilespie says since then, he has added language that says proceeds of the drag racer’s vehicle when sold at auction would go to the state’s traumatic injury trust fund.

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