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 North Carolina, street racing, drag racing, and other related motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal under state law. Specifically, North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) § 20-141.3 prohibits prearranged racing on highways, which includes any race, speed competition or contest, drag race, acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, and exhibition of speed or acceleration. The law defines a 'prearranged race' as a race conducted after the participants have planned or coordinated the event beforehand. Penalties for violating these laws can be severe and may include fines, imprisonment, community service, and driver's license revocation. Additionally, the vehicle used in the race may be seized and forfeited. Stunt driving, which can involve maneuvers like 'doing donuts' or drifting, can also result in traffic citations or criminal charges depending on the nature and circumstances of the activity. It's important for drivers to understand that engaging in these activities on public roads not only violates the law but also poses significant safety risks to themselves and others.