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 Rhode Island, street racing, drag racing, and other unauthorized motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal and addressed under Rhode Island General Laws. Specifically, Rhode Island General Laws § 31-27-4.1 prohibits any form of racing on public highways, which includes a race, speed competition or contest, drag race, acceleration contest, test of physical endurance of the operator, and any exhibition of speed or acceleration intended to make a speed record. The law defines a 'drag race' as the operation of two or more vehicles 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' involves vehicles attempting to outdistance each other, arrive at a destination ahead of others, or test the endurance of drivers over a long-distance route. Engaging in these activities can result in criminal charges, fines, and other penalties such as license suspension. Stunt driving, which includes maneuvers like 'doing donuts' or drifting, is also likely to be considered a form of reckless driving under Rhode Island law, subjecting participants to similar penalties.