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 Washington State, street racing, drag racing, and other unauthorized motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal under RCW 46.61.530, which addresses 'Racing of vehicles on highways.' This law prohibits any person from driving any vehicle in a race, speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or for the purpose of making a speed record on public highways. The definition of a 'race' and 'drag race' aligns with the general descriptions provided, where multiple vehicles compete against each other to outdistance one another or to compare relative speeds over a selected course. The statute also covers exhibitions of speed or acceleration associated with drag racing. Violation of these laws can result in serious penalties, including traffic infractions, fines, and in some cases, more severe criminal charges depending on the circumstances and whether the activity resulted in property damage, injury, or death. Local ordinances may also apply additional regulations or penalties for such activities.