Street racing, stunt driving, and street takeover prohibited.
Columbus City Codes § 2133.07
in effect2133.07 - Street racing, stunt driving, and street takeover prohibited.
(a) As used in this section:
(1) "Street racing" means the operation of two (2) or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to out-distance each other or the operation of one or more vehicles over a common selected course, from the same point to the same point, wherein timing is made of the participating vehicles involving competitive accelerations or speeds. The operation of two (2) or more vehicles side by side either at speeds in excess of prima-facie lawful speeds established by Section 2133.03 or rapidly accelerating from a common starting point to a speed in excess of such prima-facie lawful speeds shall be prima-facie evidence of street racing.
(2) "Burnout" means a maneuver performed while operating a vehicle whereby the vehicle is kept in a stationary position, but the wheels of the vehicle are spun, which may cause the tires of the vehicle to become heated and emit smoke from the friction.
(3) "Doughnut" means a maneuver performed while operating a vehicle whereby the front or rear of the vehicle is rotated around the opposite set of wheels in a continuous motion, which may cause a circular skid-mark pattern of rubber on the driving surface, or the tires of the vehicle to become heated and emit smoke from the friction, or both.
(4) "Drifting" means a maneuver performed while operating a vehicle whereby the vehicle is driven in a manner that causes a controlled, sideways skid during a turn, with the front wheels pointing in a direction that is the opposite of the direction of the turn.
(5) "Wheelie" means a maneuver performed while operating a vehicle whereby the front wheel or wheels of the vehicle are raised off of the ground or whereby two wheels that are on the same side of the vehicle are raised off of the ground.
(6) "Stunt driving" means performing or engaging in burnouts, doughnuts, drifting, or wheelies, causing vehicle tires to squeal, or allowing a passenger to ride either partially or fully outside of the vehicle while operating that vehicle.
(7) "Street takeover" means 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.
(8) "Instrumentality" has the same meaning as in section 2981.01 of the Revised Code.
(9) "Vehicle Component" means any motor vehicle part or accessory specifically adapted for use in street racing, stunt driving, or street takeover. "Vehicle Component" includes, but is not limited to, steering wheels, wheels and tires, and mufflers.
(b) No person shall knowingly participate in street racing, stunt driving, or street takeover upon any public road, street, or highway or on private property that is open to the general public.
(c) Whoever violates this section is guilty of street racing, stunt driving, or street takeover, a misdemeanor of the first degree. In addition to any other sanctions, the court shall suspend the offender's driver's license, commercial driver's license, temporary instruction permit, probationary license, or nonresident operating privilege for not less than thirty (30) days or more than three (3) years. No judge shall suspend the first thirty (30) days of any suspension of an offender's license, permit, or privilege imposed under this division.
(d) In addition to any other penalties imposed by law, a vehicle component used in a violation of division (b) of this section is an instrumentality, shall be subject to seizure as contraband, and is subject to forfeiture under Chapter 2981 of the Revised Code.
(e) Persons rendering assistance in any manner to street racing, stunt driving, or street takeover shall be equally charged as the participants.
(f) This section does not apply to the competitive operation of vehicles on public or private property in accordance with a Special Event permit issued pursuant to Chapter 923 or when otherwise authorized by ordinance of Council.
(ORC 4511.251; Ord. 1579-72: Ord. 2120-03 § 1 (part).; Ord. No. 2210-2024, § 1, 7-29-2024; Ord. No. 2835-2024, § 1, 10-21-2024)
Source: City of Columbus, City Codes and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/oh/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT21TRCO_CH2133INREOPSP_2133.07STRASTDRSTTAPRFetched: 10/27/2026