Louisiana Lawmakers Consider Bills on Drag Racing and Speeding

Proposed legislation aims to increase penalties and impound times for dangerous driving behaviors.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Louisiana lawmakers will consider two bills during the upcoming legislative session that aim to address the issues of drag racing and excessive speeding on the state's roads. One bill proposes extending the impound time for vehicles used in drag racing incidents, while the other would create a new felony speeding offense for drivers exceeding the posted limit by 30 mph or more.

Why it matters

Speeding and illegal street racing are major contributors to traffic crashes and fatalities in Louisiana. These proposed bills are an attempt by lawmakers to crack down on these dangerous driving behaviors and improve road safety for all residents.

The details

House Bill 96 would increase the length of time law enforcement can impound a vehicle used in a drag racing incident from 14 days to at least 30 days. House Bill 100 would establish a new crime of "felony speeding" for drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by 30 mph or more, with penalties including fines of at least $1,000 and up to six months in prison.

  • The Louisiana legislative session begins on March 9, 2026.
  • In 2023, an estimated 10% of all police-reported traffic crashes were speeding-related, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report.

The players

Rep. Dixon McMakin

The Republican state representative from Baton Rouge who authored both of the proposed bills.

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What they’re saying

“Both bills were authored by Rep. Dixon McMakin (R-Baton Rouge).”

— Rep. Dixon McMakin, State Representative (klfy.com)

What’s next

The Louisiana legislature will consider and vote on the two bills during the regular legislative session starting on March 9, 2026.

The takeaway

These proposed bills represent Louisiana lawmakers' efforts to address the serious public safety issues caused by dangerous driving behaviors like drag racing and excessive speeding. If passed, the new laws could help deter these reckless actions and reduce the number of traffic crashes and fatalities on the state's roads.