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 North Dakota, street racing and related activities are illegal and addressed under the state's traffic laws. Specifically, North Dakota Century Code 39-08-03.1 prohibits any person from engaging in a race, speed competition, drag race, acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, or exhibition of speed or acceleration on a public highway. The term 'drag race' is defined as the operation of two or more vehicles side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to outdistance each other, or one or more vehicles over a common course for the purpose of comparing speeds or power of acceleration. A 'race' involves vehicles attempting to outdistance each other, arrive at a destination ahead of others, or test the endurance of drivers over a long distance. Engaging in these activities can result in significant penalties, including fines, driver's license suspension, and even imprisonment. Additionally, stunt driving or stunting, such as performing donuts or drifting, is also prohibited and can lead to similar penalties. Enforcement of these laws is aimed at ensuring public safety and reducing the risks associated with high-speed driving and reckless behavior on public roads.