Speed Contest Lawyers in California
Yes: a speed contest is a misdemeanor charge under Vehicle Code 23109(a), and our attorneys defend it in court for drivers across Los Angeles County, the surrounding counties and the rest of California. We review the officer’s account, the evidence of a race and the charge itself, starting with a free consultation.
What a Speed Contest Charge Means
Vehicle Code 23109(a) makes it a misdemeanor to engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway or in an offstreet parking facility. A speed contest is a race against another vehicle, a clock or another timing device. Aiding or abetting a speed contest, and blocking a road for one, are separate offenses under 23109(b) and (d).
What the statute sets on a conviction under 23109(a):
| First conviction | Within 5 years of a prior | |
|---|---|---|
| Jail | 24 hours to 90 days, and/or a fine | 4 days to 6 months, and a fine |
| Fine | $355 to $1,000 | $500 to $1,000 |
| Community service | 40 hours | — |
| License | The court may suspend for 90 days to 6 months, or restrict to work travel | The court must suspend for 6 months, or restrict to work travel |
If the contest causes bodily injury to someone other than the driver, the range rises to 30 days to 6 months and $500 to $1,000 (VC 23109(e)–(f)). A conviction carries two points (VC 12810(d)(1)) and stays on the DMV record for seven years (VC 1808(b)(2)).
How Our Attorneys Fight a Speed Contest Charge
We test the charge against what the statute requires: a race, against another vehicle or against a clock or timing device, on a highway or in an offstreet parking facility. We review what the officer saw, from where, and what other evidence ties you to a race rather than to fast driving alone. We check the prior-conviction allegation where there is one, because it changes the penalty, and we review any impound. An attorney can appear for you on a misdemeanor (Penal Code 977). We defend these cases in courts across Los Angeles County. We also take cases in Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties, and anywhere else in California.
Our attorneys have over 45 years of combined experience in fighting traffic tickets. In over 90% of our cases the client has had their case dismissed, been found not guilty, or has had reduced fines and/or charges reduced to no points.
Our Victory List shows 3 speed contest cases under Vehicle Code 23109(a) listed as dismissed, as of October 8, 2026:
| Date | Court | Code section | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/25/23 | Pasadena | 23109(a) | Dismissed |
| 8/24/23 | Pasadena | 23109(a) | Dismissed |
| 7/6/22 | Downey | 23109(a) | Dismissed |
Past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
Questions About Speed Contest Charges
Is a Speed Contest a Misdemeanor?
Yes. The Vehicle Code lists 23109 among the offenses that are misdemeanors and not infractions (VC 40000.15). The exhibition of speed offense in the same section can proceed as an infraction in some cases; the speed contest offense is not on that list (Penal Code 19.8).
Can My License Be Suspended for a Speed Contest?
Yes. On a first conviction, the court may suspend your license for 90 days to six months, or restrict it to driving to and from work and within the scope of your job (VC 23109(e)(1)). On a second conviction within five years, the court must suspend it for six months or impose that work restriction instead (VC 23109(f)(4)). The two points also count toward a DMV negligent operator suspension (VC 12810.5).
Can My Car Be Impounded for a Speed Contest?
Yes, at two stages of the case. At the stop, an officer can arrest the driver and have the vehicle seized and impounded for up to 30 days (VC 23109.2(a)). After a conviction, the court can impound a vehicle registered to the driver for 1 to 30 days, and the time already spent in storage counts toward it (VC 23109(h), 23109.2(f)). The registered owner can ask for a storage hearing, the vehicle must be released early if the charges are dismissed or not filed for lack of evidence, and the owner does not pay towing and storage after an acquittal or a dismissal (VC 23109.2(b), (c), (e)).
How Is a Speed Contest Different From Exhibition of Speed?
A speed contest needs a race: against another vehicle, a clock or another timing device (VC 23109(a)). An exhibition of speed needs no race: it covers one driver accelerating or driving unsafely to show off (VC 23109(c)). The speed contest penalties are heavier, with a minimum fine, community service and a possible license suspension. Both carry two points. See our exhibition of speed page.
Related
Defend Your License
A speed contest conviction can cost you your license for up to six months. Call (310) 455-6810 or contact us today for your free consultation.
Sources
California Legislative Information