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 Maine, street racing, drag racing, and other unauthorized motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal under state law. Maine's statutes classify these activities as driving to endanger, reckless driving, or criminal speed, depending on the circumstances. Specifically, Title 29-A, Section 2413 of the Maine Revised Statutes prohibits a person from driving a vehicle in a race or at a speed greater than reasonable and prudent under the conditions, which can be interpreted to include illegal racing and stunts. Violations can result in fines, license suspension, and in some cases, imprisonment. Additionally, participating in a race or test of speed can lead to charges of criminal speeding if the vehicle exceeds the posted speed limit by 30 miles per hour or more. The state takes these offenses seriously due to the significant risk they pose to public safety, and law enforcement agencies are vigilant in enforcing these laws to deter such dangerous driving behaviors.