Is it illegal to accelerate fast? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

crewxp · 02-15-2011, 03:39 AM

Quick question, has always been on my mind. Is it illegal to accelerate too fast? My understanding is that you can accelerate how ever fast you want, as long as your tires do not skid and you don't go past the speed limit.

I'm very proficient when I'm driving and I tend to be one of the first ones out at the light. I hate wasting time. It's a bad habit, but it annoys me when people take a minute or two just to hit the 50 speed limit. When I'm at a light, sometimes a cop is next to me, and I always accelerate so slow. Just curious as to how it works.

Worst case scenario. Say a cop was next to me, I accelerate and hit the 50mph limit in about 7/8 seconds. I hit 50 and hit cruise control. Everyone else is still going about 20 mph. Is that enough reason to give a ticket?

I would never do that, but just giving a scenario

SScattergunSS · 02-15-2011, 04:08 AM

The whole, "Exhibition of Speed" may come into play here. I'm laughing, but in your scenario you may or may not get a ticket, but you ARE going to get lit up and pulled over! You have to pick your battles, but they'll consider it that you're disrespecting their badge that they so proudly wear. Good luck....

THE EVIL TW1N · 02-15-2011, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SScattergunSS

The whole, "Exhibition of Speed" may come into play here. I'm laughing, but in your scenario you may or may not get a ticket, but you ARE going to get lit up and pulled over! You have to pick your battles, but they'll consider it that you're disrespecting their badge that they so proudly wear. Good luck....

+1

If someone accelerated like a bat out of hell next to me, regardless if they spun their tires or not, I would VERY likely pull them over. It's dangerous for yourself and other drivers.

Don't get me wrong, I hate slow drivers too (30 in a 45 type) and I have pulled people over for driving WAY too slow, but you have to be reasonable.

Revo1 · 02-15-2011, 04:24 AM

Is it illegal? Technically no. Is it a bad idea? Yes. Should you do it all day, every day? Absolutely

axis · 02-15-2011, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revo1

Is it illegal? Technically no. Is it a bad idea? Yes. Should you do it all day, every day? Absolutely

That depends on if the consider it wreckless driving.

Revo1 · 02-15-2011, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axis

That depends on if the consider it wreckless driving.

As long as there's no wreck......

I'm just bein dumb. I highly doubt a little quick acceleration without breaking the tires loose could be considered reckless. However, I'm sure they'd stop you for (like GunSS said) display of speed or something.

THE EVIL TW1N · 02-15-2011, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revo1

As long as there's no wreck......

I'm just bein dumb. I highly doubt a little quick acceleration without breaking the tires loose could be considered reckless. However, I'm sure they'd stop you for (like GunSS said) display of speed or something.

You do know Exhibition of Speed and Reckless Driving both are misdemeanors in California, right? And being that they are misdemeanors, you would be going to CRIMINAL court, not just traffic court where it's very informal. It could end up costing a good amount of $$ with attorney fee's and such. Also, if convicted, they would both be seen the same by the DMV as two points (on a three point max system per year in CA) on your driving record. Another added bonus, your insurance will take a hit very similar to a DUI or a Speed Contest (Streetracing).

Just know what you may face when driving in this fashion.

H3LL1ON · 02-15-2011, 05:16 AM

It is also illegal in Ontario, Canada as it falls under the new "racing" law.

AlohaBR · 02-15-2011, 06:53 AM

In Michigan it use to be called "Racing to the speed limit" and yes you would be ticketed.
It has been a very long time since I have heard anyone having been pulled over for this, but that doesn't mean it does not still exist.

427Carl · 02-15-2011, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revo1

Is it illegal? Technically no. Is it a bad idea? Yes. Should you do it all day, every day? Absolutely

x2 Drive it like you stole it They never see you

clg_98ta · 02-15-2011, 07:44 AM

There are laws that cover that almost everywhere - exhibition of speed, reckless driving, etc. Its up to the cops judgment whether what you did was 'unsafe' or not, so be very polite when you get pulled. And you will get pulled...

AquaSSRS · 02-15-2011, 07:51 AM

Sounds like it is a subjective matter based on the officer. I had a friend get pulled over for "unsafe acceleration" a few years ago. He accelerated quickly from a stop sign after a right turn. He had a 4 banger S10. So it didn't have much power and wasn't really fast from a stop, but the cop thought he was being unsafe. He got off with a warning Not sure how they would prove it unless they would time and speed check you, or if there is even a set standard.
Not worth it though when there is a cop close.

ZED SLED · 02-15-2011, 07:52 AM

I agree, it is usually the cop's judgment that will decide. However, in today's economy,it is as much, if not more, about revenue than public safety, especially in a situation like this. If you're in a broke county, get out your wallet.

Scott@Bjorn3D · 02-15-2011, 07:56 AM

I am lucky I work for the PD. Helps out some.

02-15-2011, 03:39 AM	#1
crewxp Drives: 2LT RS Summit White Camaro Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 293	Is it illegal to accelerate fast? Quick question, has always been on my mind. Is it illegal to accelerate too fast? My understanding is that you can accelerate how ever fast you want, as long as your tires do not skid and you don't go past the speed limit. I'm very proficient when I'm driving and I tend to be one of the first ones out at the light. I hate wasting time. It's a bad habit, but it annoys me when people take a minute or two just to hit the 50 speed limit. When I'm at a light, sometimes a cop is next to me, and I always accelerate so slow. Just curious as to how it works. Worst case scenario. Say a cop was next to me, I accelerate and hit the 50mph limit in about 7/8 seconds. I hit 50 and hit cruise control. Everyone else is still going about 20 mph. Is that enough reason to give a ticket? I would never do that, but just giving a scenario

02-15-2011, 04:08 AM	#2
SScattergunSS ~ Love or Lust ~ Drives: R6P 1SS/RS BLK/L99 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: With My CynAgain Posts: 25,198	The whole, "Exhibition of Speed" may come into play here. I'm laughing, but in your scenario you may or may not get a ticket, but you ARE going to get lit up and pulled over! You have to pick your battles, but they'll consider it that you're disrespecting their badge that they so proudly wear. Good luck.... __________________ ~ Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto, "In God is our trust." And the Star Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave ~ Francis Scott Key ~

02-15-2011, 04:24 AM	#4
Revo1 Don't Like it? Suggit. Drives: 2010 2SS/RS Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Fresno, CA Posts: 14,832 View My Garage	Is it illegal? Technically no. Is it a bad idea? Yes. Should you do it all day, every day? Absolutely __________________ "Tops off, tach up baby- loud and proud!" A Camaro lover from day one- 1996 3.8 V6 Camaro, to 1996 5.7 LT1 Camaro Z28, to the sold 2002 5.7 LS1 Camaro SS, and NOW, a [I]6.2 L99 VR 2SS/RS: XS Power stainless full exhaust, Airaid CAI, BMR drop springs and sways, custom tune by Cal Speed- 411rwhp

02-15-2011, 05:16 AM	#8
H3LL1ON H3LL1ON Drives: 2010 1LT Camaro Synergy Green Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Ontario Posts: 222	It is also illegal in Ontario, Canada as it falls under the new "racing" law. __________________ It's Green, really Green! C5

02-15-2011, 07:44 AM	#11
clg_98ta Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,698 View My Garage	There are laws that cover that almost everywhere - exhibition of speed, reckless driving, etc. Its up to the cops judgment whether what you did was 'unsafe' or not, so be very polite when you get pulled. And you will get pulled... __________________ Black 2SS ordered 1/4/2010, received 2/19/2010

02-15-2011, 06:53 AM	#9
AlohaBR Drives: Camaros...is there anything else? Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Great Lake State Posts: 1,048 View My Garage	In Michigan it use to be called "Racing to the speed limit" and yes you would be ticketed. It has been a very long time since I have heard anyone having been pulled over for this, but that doesn't mean it does not still exist.

02-15-2011, 07:51 AM	#12
AquaSSRS Drives: formerly a AGM ZL1 (sold) Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Allentown, PA Posts: 435	Sounds like it is a subjective matter based on the officer. I had a friend get pulled over for "unsafe acceleration" a few years ago. He accelerated quickly from a stop sign after a right turn. He had a 4 banger S10. So it didn't have much power and wasn't really fast from a stop, but the cop thought he was being unsafe. He got off with a warning Not sure how they would prove it unless they would time and speed check you, or if there is even a set standard. Not worth it though when there is a cop close. __________________ 2013 Ashen gray ZL1 M6 with Roto-fab, Vmax TB, Pfadt headers, 10% pulley, JRE tuned. 11.459 @125mph. 566hp/517tq. Sold due to not enough seat belts. FML.

02-15-2011, 07:52 AM	#13
ZED SLED Drives: 2017 Mosaic Bk ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South of Raleigh, NC Posts: 9,615 View My Garage	I agree, it is usually the cop's judgment that will decide. However, in today's economy,it is as much, if not more, about revenue than public safety, especially in a situation like this. If you're in a broke county, get out your wallet. __________________

02-15-2011, 07:56 AM	#14
Scott@Bjorn3D Drives: Kami, 2013 2SS LS3 Luvin Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Eufaula, Alabama Posts: 6,427	I am lucky I work for the PD. Helps out some.

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