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 Florida, street racing, drag racing, and other unauthorized motor vehicle competitions are illegal under Florida Statutes, specifically section 316.191, which prohibits racing on highways. This law defines racing as the use of one or more motor vehicles in competition, arising from a challenge to demonstrate superiority of a motor vehicle or driver and includes tests of physical endurance. The statute also defines drag racing as two or more vehicles competing to outdistance each other from a set starting point or to reach a designated finish line first. Penalties for participating in such activities can include criminal charges, fines, community service, vehicle impoundment, and driver's license revocation. Additionally, spectators who knowingly attend these illegal events can also face penalties. Florida takes these offenses seriously due to the significant risk they pose to public safety.