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 Arkansas, street racing, drag racing, and other unauthorized motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal under state law. Arkansas Code Annotated § 27-50-308 specifically addresses these activities, prohibiting any person from engaging in a motor vehicle race, a speed competition or contest, a drag race or acceleration contest, a test of physical endurance of the driver, or any exhibition of speed or acceleration. The law defines a 'drag race' as two or more vehicles accelerating 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. A 'race' involves vehicles attempting to outdistance, outgain, or prevent passing by another vehicle, reaching a destination ahead of others, or testing the endurance of a driver over a long distance. Engaging in these activities is considered a misdemeanor offense and can result in penalties including fines, imprisonment, and driver's license suspension. Additionally, vehicles used in these illegal activities may be impounded.