Street Racing and Exhibition-of-Speed Tickets

While many cars are built for speed, all states have laws prohibiting racing, peeling out, and the like on highways. However, state laws differ in defining and punishing racing and speed-exhibition offenses.

This article covers state driving laws that make street racing and exhibitions of speed illegal, including typical penalties for violations such as jail time, fines, license suspension, and vehicle seizure.

Is Street Racing Illegal?

Understandably, state legislatures don't want public streets turning into raceways. So all states have laws prohibiting street racing. But it's not just traditional street racing that legislatures are concerned with. Other types of hazardous driving like peeling out and spinning donuts also pose public safety risks. To address this related category of dangerous driving, many states also have "exhibition-of-speed" laws.

Depending on the state, street racing and exhibition-of-speed prohibitions might be separate laws or lumped together in the same statute. The specifics of these laws also vary quite a bit by state. As we explain below, state laws define street racing and exhibitions of speed differently, and each state has its own offense classification and penalty schemes.

How Do State Driving Laws Define Street Racing?

All states have laws prohibiting street racing. But states don't all use the same naming convention. Instead of "street racing," states refer to the offense as "speed competitions," "speed contests," "drag racing," "speed racing," and a handful of other names.

State laws also define street racing in different ways. Many state laws are specific about what they prohibit, whereas the laws of other states generally prohibit street racing but don't provide precise definitions of the offense.

However, the basic idea behind all these laws is to prohibit all forms of racing and speed competitions, regardless of nomenclature or how the participants organize them. It's also important to note that racing prohibitions generally apply whether or not anyone exceeds the speed limit.

Below, we cover some common definitions of street racing that can be found in state laws.

Side-By-Side Drag Racing

Some state laws specifically outlaw "drag racing" on public roadways. Definitions of drag racing vary somewhat but generally describe situations where two or more side-by-side vehicles accelerate from a set point in a competition to outdistance the other. Drag races on city streets usually involve two cars accelerating when a red light turns green. In many instances, drag races aren't planned but occur semi-spontaneously.

Destination Racing

Destination races are similar to drag races in that drivers compete side by side and start simultaneously from the same point. However, unlike drag races (at least as described above), destination races have a set endpoint. In other words, destination racing involves a side-by-side race from point A to point B. To have a proper destination race, the drivers would typically need to agree on the start and finish lines ahead of time.

Timed Street Racing

Like destination races, timed street races require some level of planning. The basic idea is that multiple drivers agree on a set route and whoever can do it most quickly wins. In other words, the competitors drive the course individually (rather than side-by-side) and the goal is to get the best time. Usually, this kind of racing involves several drivers and a person designated as the timer. As explained below in the penalties section, the drivers and the timer could be cited for violations with this type of racing

Driver Endurance Contests ("Cannonball Runs")

Some states prohibit speed contests designed to test a driver's physical stamina and endurance over long-distance driving routes. Although endurance races aren't common, they do happen.

For example, since the 1970s drivers have been competing in the "Cannonball Run," an unsanctioned coast-to-coast endurance race that starts in New York City or Connecticut and ends in Redondo Beach, California. Leading drivers have reportedly completed this run in roughly 25 hours. Despite being illegal, Cannonball Runs continue to the present day. In other words, these races have been going on for over 50 years.

Pass Blocking on Roadways

In NASCAR racing, drivers jockey for position and intentionally maneuver to prevent other drivers from passing. This kind of driving is effective in a race but can, and often does, lead to crashes. So, the street racing laws of some states specifically prohibit drivers from pass-blocking.

General Street Racing Definitions

As noted above, some state laws don't define street racing with particularity. For example, California's racing statute states, "a motor vehicle speed contest includes a motor vehicle race against another vehicle, a clock, or other timing device." Virginia's statute is even more general and merely states it's illegal to have "a race between two or more motor vehicles." (Va. Code Ann. § 46.2-865 (2025); Cal. Veh. Code § 23109 (2025).)

When the law doesn't define an offense with specificity, defendants sometimes argue in court the statute is unconstitutionally vague. However, the likelihood of succeeding with this kind of argument depends heavily on the law's wording and case specifics. If you think the statute you're accused of violating is vague, have a chat with a local traffic attorney. An experienced attorney can look at the facts of your case and help you decide on the best course of action.

What Is Considered an Illegal Exhibition of Speed?

Street racing statutes focus on different types of speed contests or competitions. But drivers find lots of other ways to create safety hazards. State legislatures have responded by enacting exhibition-of-speed laws.

Types of Driving Prohibited by Exhibition-of-Speed Laws

"Exhibition of speed" is a general term meant to encompass all the ways drivers endanger others by showing off a car's ability to accelerate or by purposefully losing traction. Some states alternatively use the term "stunt driving."

Generally, exhibition-of-speed laws prohibit things like:

• peeling out
• screeching tires
• excessive acceleration
• losing traction by braking or turning quickly ("drifting")
• causing excessive engine noise
• wheelies
• jumping, and
• spinning donuts.

As with racing laws, state exhibit-of-speed laws vary in terms of specificity.

Exhibition-of-Speed Laws and Driver Intent

Many of the actions that exhibition-of-speed laws prohibit can happen accidentally. However, these laws are generally aimed at intentional conduct. To differentiate between purposeful and accidental conduct, some statutes include an intent requirement. Under these statutes, a violation occurs only if there's evidence the driver intended to show off or impress another person with their driving.

Emergence of "Street Takeovers" and "Street Sideshows"

In the 1980s and 1990s, "street sideshows" (also called "street takeovers") started happening in some areas. Many say Oakland, California is where these events originated.

It's hard to describe sideshows. But they typically involve drivers burning out and spinning donuts (usually, in powerful cars) in an intersection while spectators watch, cheer, and take videos on their phones. It's a chaotic scene with tire smoke, the throaty roar of V8s, and onlookers intermixed with the action. To say the least, the potential for disaster is high at sideshows.

Lots of what happens at sideshows is covered by exhibition-of-speed and reckless driving laws. Nevertheless, some state legislatures have enacted laws specifically targeting sideshows and street takeovers. For instance, street takeovers are first-degree misdemeanors in Ohio. The law defines street takeovers as "blocking or impeding the regular flow of vehicle or pedestrian traffic on a public road, street, or highway or on private property that is open to the general public for the purpose of street racing or stunt driving." (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 4511.251 (2025).) A handful of other states have similar laws.

However, the penalties for street takeovers and sideshow participants are generally the same as those for racing.

Can Spectators and Non-Driving Participants Get in Trouble for Street Racing and Exhibitions of Speed?

Illegal street racing can certainly result in citations against participating drivers. But, in some instances, non-driver participants can be cited as well. In many states, a vehicle passenger, spectator, or vehicle owner can be cited for abetting or encouraging a race, exhibition of speed, or sideshow. However, for a violation of the law, there generally must be some level of involvement beyond just watching. For example, a non-driver who helps organize a race, acts as a timer, or allows his or her vehicle to be used in a race could face charges.

In some states, drivers and non-driver participants face the same penalties. However, in other states, the penalties are more severe for drivers than for other participants.

How Do Street Racing and Exhibitions of Speed Differ From Reckless Driving?

All states have reckless driving laws, and most street racing and exhibitions of speed would qualify as reckless driving. So, what's the difference? Street racing and exhibition-of-speed laws are more specific than reckless driving laws. Whereas street racing and exhibition-of-speed laws generally describe the prohibited conduct, reckless driving laws generally say something like "any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving."

Also, many states penalize street racing and exhibitions of speed more severely than reckless driving. In Florida, for instance, street racing and exhibition-of-speed convictions carry up to a year in jail, $500 to $2,000 in fines, and a mandatory one-year license revocation. For a Florida reckless driving conviction, on the other hand, a driver faces a maximum of 90 days in jail, $25 to $500 in fines, and no loss of driving privileges. (Fla. Stat. Ann. § 316.191 (2025); Fla. Stat. Ann. § 316.192 (2025).)

Are There Exceptions to Street Racing and Speed Exhibition Restrictions?

Street racing and exhibition-of-speed laws are primarily concerned with public safety. So these restrictions generally apply only to highways and public roads. However, racing motor vehicles on private property might still violate the law in some circumstances. For example, racing and exhibitions of speed could violate noise ordinances, zoning restrictions, or environmental regulations.

Racing on authorized tracks, on the other hand, is perfectly legal. Although race tracks are typically geared toward professional competitions, many tracks also provide public access during certain times for a fee.

Also, driving maneuvers and accelerations that might seem to violate exhibition-of-speed laws could be appropriate or unavoidable in certain situations and environments. So, the legality of a driver's conduct depends on the specific circumstances.

What Are the Penalties for Illegal Street Racing and Exhibitions of Speed?

The penalties for street racing and exhibitions of speed vary quite a bit by state. The severity and type of penalties also depend on factors such as the driver's record, whether anyone was hurt or killed, and the classification of the offense (racing or exhibition of speed).

Infraction and Misdemeanor Classifications for Racing and Speed Exhibition

Most states classify exhibition of speed as a traffic infraction or misdemeanor. Street racing—considered a more serious offense in some jurisdictions—is generally a misdemeanor.

Felony Charges for Street Racing and Exhibitions of Speed

In many states, street racing and exhibitions of speed are felonies if the offense results in injuries or deaths. However, some of these states won't elevate the offense to a felony if the injuries are only minor.

It's also common for state laws to make racing and exhibitions of speed felonies if the offender has prior convictions. In some states, only prior convictions that happened within a certain time period (like the last five years) are counted.

Fines and Jail Time

Fines and jail time for street racing and exhibitions of speed vary by state. Infractions might carry fines of up to $500 or so (less in many states). For a misdemeanor conviction, on the other hand, the offender is typically looking at a few hundred to a few thousand dollars in fines and up to six months or a year in jail.

The penalties for street racing and exhibitions of speed get much more serious for felonies. Felonies normally carry thousands of dollars in fines and at least one year in jail. For offenses that involve serious injuries or deaths, the offender could face up to 10 years or more in prison. For instance, in Illinois, offenses that result in great bodily harm carry one to 12 years in prison. (625 Ill. Comp. Stat. Ann. 5/11-506 (2025).)

License Suspension and Revocation

License suspension and revocation are often on the table for exhibition-of-speed and street racing convictions. In some states, license suspension is mandatory, whereas other states leave it up to the judge.

Depending on the circumstances, suspension and revocation periods generally range from about 30 days to two years.

Vehicle Impoundment

In many states, street racing and exhibition-of-speed convictions can result in vehicle impoundment. Depending on the situation, an impoundment could be temporary or permanent.

Driver's License Points

In states that have traffic violation point systems, street racing and exhibition-of-speed convictions generally carry points. Accumulating too many points generally can lead to license suspension and other consequences.