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 New Hampshire, street racing, drag racing, and other related motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal under state law. These activities are typically addressed in the state's motor vehicle statutes. New Hampshire RSA 265:63 specifically prohibits racing on highways, stating that no person shall drive any vehicle on a highway in any race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or in any exhibition of speed or acceleration. Violation of these provisions can result in penalties including fines, driver's license suspension, and even imprisonment depending on the severity of the offense and whether it resulted in injury or death. Additionally, engaging in stunts such as 'doing donuts,' drifting, or driving on two wheels on public roads is also likely to be considered reckless driving under RSA 265:79, which is a misdemeanor offense and can carry serious penalties including fines and license suspension.