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 York, street racing, drag racing, and other unauthorized motor vehicle speed contests or exhibitions are illegal under the Vehicle and Traffic Law. Specifically, Section 1182 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law prohibits engaging in a race, speed contest or speed trial on public highways, which includes any area open to the public for vehicular traffic. This law applies to any form of racing, whether it is a competition of speed, a test of endurance, or an exhibition of acceleration. The penalties for violating these provisions can include fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or revocation of the driver's license. Additionally, law enforcement has the authority to seize vehicles involved in such illegal activities. It is important for individuals to understand that participating in or organizing such events can lead to serious legal consequences and pose significant risks to public safety.