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 Wyoming, street racing, drag racing, and other related motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal activities. These activities are typically addressed under Wyoming Statutes in the motor vehicle and traffic regulation sections. Specifically, Wyoming Statute § 31-5-233 prohibits any person from engaging in a speed contest or race on public roads. This includes any form of racing, vehicle speed competition, drag racing, acceleration contest, test of physical endurance of the driver, or any exhibition of speed or acceleration intended to set a speed record. The definition of a drag race in Wyoming aligns with the general description of two or more vehicles competing side by side to outdistance each other, or one or more vehicles racing over a common course to compare speeds or acceleration. A race is similarly defined as an attempt to outdistance, outpace, or arrive at a destination before another vehicle, or to test the endurance of a driver over a long distance. Stunt driving, which can involve maneuvers like driving on two wheels, spinning the vehicle, or drifting, is also prohibited when it endangers the safety of individuals or property. Violations of these laws can result in traffic citations, fines, and potentially more severe criminal charges depending on the circumstances and any resulting harm or damage.