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 Massachusetts, street racing, drag racing, and other related motor vehicle speed and endurance competitions, as well as stunt exhibitions, are illegal under state law. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 17 specifically prohibits racing and driving at a rate of speed that is greater than reasonable and proper on public ways. Additionally, Section 17A addresses the use of motor vehicles for racing, making it unlawful to operate a vehicle in a race, a speed competition or contest, a drag race or acceleration contest, a test of physical endurance, or to engage in an exhibition of speed or acceleration. Violation of these laws can result in penalties including fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or revocation of the driver's license. The definition of a drag race in Massachusetts aligns with the general description provided, involving two or more vehicles in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other, or one or more vehicles over a common course for the purpose of comparing speeds or acceleration. Similarly, a 'race' involves vehicles attempting to outdistance each other, arrive at a destination first, or test endurance over a long-distance route. Stunt driving, which includes activities such as 'doing donuts' or drifting, is also prohibited as it endangers public safety and is considered reckless driving under Massachusetts law.