Laws prohibiting street racing, drag racing, and other motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions—as well as stunt exhibitions—vary from state to state. These laws are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal code or criminal code—and generally prohibit drivers from participating in:

• a race;

• a vehicle speed competition or contest;

• a drag race or acceleration contest;

• a test of physical endurance of the operator of a vehicle; or

• in connection with a drag race, an exhibition of vehicle speed or acceleration or to make a vehicle speed record.

Drag race may be defined as the operation of:

• two or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other; or

• one or more vehicles over a common selected course, from the same place to the same place, for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds or power of acceleration of the vehicle or vehicles in a specified distance or time.

Race is defined as the use of one or more vehicles attempting to:

• outgain or outdistance another vehicle or prevent another vehicle from passing;

• arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles; or

• test the physical stamina or endurance of an operator over a long-distance driving route.

Illegal stunt driving or stunting usually involves a parking lot or blocked off street where drivers use their vehicles to perform stunts, such as driving on two wheels; “doing donuts” by spinning the car in a circle; or drifting while turning a corner.

In Alabama, street racing, drag racing, and other related motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal under state law. These activities are typically addressed in the Alabama Code under Title 32, which pertains to Motor Vehicles and Traffic. Specifically, Section 32-5A-178 prohibits any person from engaging in a race, a vehicle speed competition or contest, a drag race or acceleration contest, a test of physical endurance of the operator of a vehicle, or any exhibition of speed or acceleration intended to make a speed record. The definitions of 'drag race' and 'race' in Alabama generally align with the descriptions provided, emphasizing the competitive nature and the intent to outdistance other vehicles or test speed and endurance. Violations of these laws can result in criminal charges, fines, and other penalties, including the potential suspension of driving privileges. It is important for individuals to understand that these activities are taken seriously by law enforcement and can have significant legal consequences.