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 Oklahoma, street racing, drag racing, and other unauthorized motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal under state law. Oklahoma statutes specifically prohibit participation in any form of race, vehicle speed competition, drag race, acceleration contest, or any test of physical endurance of the vehicle operator. Additionally, the law forbids exhibitions of vehicle speed or acceleration related to drag racing, or attempts to set a vehicle speed record. The definitions of 'drag race' and 'race' in Oklahoma are consistent with the general descriptions provided, where a drag race involves two or more vehicles in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other, and a race involves vehicles attempting to outgain, outdistance, or arrive at a destination ahead of others, or to test the endurance of the driver over a long distance. Engaging in these activities is typically considered a misdemeanor offense, but repeat offenses or those resulting in property damage, injury, or death can result in more severe penalties. Stunt driving, such as performing donuts, drifting, or driving on two wheels, is also prohibited and can lead to similar legal consequences.