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 Ohio, street racing, drag racing, and other related motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal under Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.251. This statute specifically prohibits any person from participating in a street 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 any exhibition of speed or acceleration. The law defines a 'drag race' 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 course for the purpose of comparing speeds or power of acceleration. A 'race' is defined as the use of one or more vehicles in an attempt to outgain or outdistance another vehicle, arrive at a destination ahead of another, or test the endurance of a driver over a long distance. Engaging in these activities is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree, and penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and driver's license suspension. Additionally, stunt driving behaviors such as 'doing donuts,' driving on two wheels, or drifting are also prohibited and subject to similar penalties.