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 California, street racing, drag racing, and other related motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal under the California Vehicle Code. Specifically, sections 23109, 23109.1, and 23109.2 address these activities. Section 23109(a) makes it unlawful for a driver to engage in a motor vehicle speed contest on a highway, which includes racing against another vehicle or against a clock. Section 23109(c) defines a 'speed contest' as a race against another vehicle or time, and it also includes aiding or abetting in organizing or participating in such contests. Engaging in exhibitions of speed, such as performing stunts like 'doing donuts,' is also prohibited under section 23109(b). Penalties for violating these laws can include fines, vehicle impoundment, driver's license suspension, and even imprisonment. California law enforcement agencies actively enforce these laws to ensure public safety on the roads.