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 Tennessee, street racing and similar activities are illegal and addressed under Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 55-10-501, which defines and prohibits drag racing and other forms of racing. The law specifically prohibits any person from engaging in a race, vehicle speed competition or contest, drag race or acceleration contest, test of physical endurance of the operator of a vehicle, or any exhibition of speed or acceleration intended to make a speed record. A 'drag race' is defined as two or more vehicles competing side by side at accelerating speeds, 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 each other, arrive at a destination first, or test the endurance of the driver over a long distance. Engaging in these activities is considered a misdemeanor offense, and penalties can include fines, imprisonment, and driver's license suspension. Additionally, Tennessee law may impose stricter penalties for repeat offenders or if the illegal racing results in property damage, injury, or death.