Three Things You Should Know About The Offense Of Exhibition Of Speed

What do you know about the criminal offense of an exhibition of speed? Few people know about this traffic offense, but many people can easily be arrested for it. Here are four things that every motorist should know about this offense:

The Statutes Tend To Be Vague

The general definition of an exhibition of speed is driving a vehicle at a speed or in a manner that shows disregard for other people and properties. States have different statutes dealing with an exhibition of speed, but most of them tend to be vague. In fact, it can be so vague that an ordinary motorist cannot even tell what crime they have committed. In fact, there is at least one person who has used the vagueness of the accusation to defend themselves when accused of an exhibition of speed.

It Doesn't Have To Involve "Exhibition" Per Se

You would expect a traffic violation containing the word "exhibition" to require an audience. After all, an exhibition usually involves showing off to at least one other person. The term is misleading because it implies that other people must have witnessed your speed for it to be considered an exhibition. Unfortunately, you can be charged with an exhibition of speed even if you were the only person on the road (apart from the traffic officer).

It Is Different From Speeding

Though they both contain the word "speed," an exhibition of speed and speeding are two different things. Speeding is a traffic offense that involves driving over the speed limit (for that section of the road) or driving at a speed that was unsafe for the prevailing conditions. For example, if there are many cars on the road, and everybody has been forced to slow down, you can be ticketed for speeding if you accelerate to try to beat the traffic, even if you are driving below the speed limit.

However, you can be arrested for an exhibition of speed merely for revving your engine or doing a burn out, both of which are possible at extremely slow speeds (the car may even be stopped). In this case, the charge may be for what you were about to do rather than what you did, since revving the engine is considered a precursor to unsafe (extremely fast) acceleration.

Hopefully, the clarifications above have helped you understand this vague moving violation. If you do get charged with an exhibition of speed, consider investing in legal advice or defense. This is a serious charge that can lead to license suspension or jail time. For more information, contact a defense attorney.