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 South Dakota, street racing, drag racing, and other related motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal activities. These actions are typically addressed under the state's traffic laws and can be found in the codified laws that govern motor vehicles and public safety. Specifically, South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL) prohibit racing on highways, which includes any test of speed or endurance of the driver or vehicle, and any race or speed competition. Engaging in such activities is considered a misdemeanor offense, and penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and driver's license suspension. Additionally, vehicles used in these illegal activities may be impounded. The state defines a 'race' as any contest of speed or endurance between vehicles, and a 'drag race' as two or more vehicles competing to outdistance each other or one vehicle racing against time. Stunt driving, which may involve maneuvers like 'doing donuts' or drifting, is also prohibited and can lead to similar penalties. Law enforcement in South Dakota takes these offenses seriously due to the significant risk they pose to public safety.