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 Texas, street racing, drag racing, and other related motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are prohibited under the Texas Transportation Code. Specifically, Section 545.420 of the Texas Transportation Code addresses 'Racing on Highway,' making it illegal to participate in a race, vehicle speed competition, drag race, acceleration contest, test of physical endurance of the operator, or any exhibition of vehicle speed or acceleration intended to make a speed record on a highway. The law defines a 'race' as the use of one or more vehicles to outdistance others, arrive at a destination first, or test endurance over a long-distance route. A 'drag race' is defined as two or more vehicles accelerating side by side in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other, or one or more vehicles racing over a selected course from the same point to the same point. Engaging in these activities is considered a criminal offense, and penalties can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and whether it is a repeat offense. Additionally, Texas law may impose penalties for reckless driving, which can encompass some forms of stunt driving or stunting.
