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 Illinois, street racing and related activities are illegal under the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/11-506). This statute prohibits engaging in street racing, drag racing, and other forms of speed competitions or contests. Specifically, it is unlawful for any person to drive any vehicle in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or exhibition of speed or acceleration. A drag race is defined as the operation of two or more vehicles side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other, or one or more vehicles over a common course for the purpose of comparing relative speeds or power of acceleration. A race involves the use of one or more vehicles to outgain or outdistance another vehicle, arrive at a destination ahead of others, or test the endurance of a driver over a long-distance route. Stunt driving, which includes activities such as driving on two wheels, spinning the car in circles, or drifting, is also prohibited. Violations of these laws can result in significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and driver's license suspension or revocation.