IS THIS "RACING"? - I always obey all the traffic laws, so accellerating extremely fast a form of racing?

Question

Hi everybody !

I don't want to do anything illegal:

I drive a 99 Corolla, but I still have a load of fun flooring it right up to the speed limit. After that I just continue at the limit (or perhaps 5mph above). I always have everyone else passing me, doing 10 to 20 mph faster than me.

That's ok because I get my fun in the acceleration and speeding around the corners, but I never ever squeal my tires because I know that then I'm beyond the limits of the tires and that's illegal.

I plan to buy a BMW 135i turbo ( 0 to 30 in 2.1 seconds ) and I'd like to know if jack-rabbit starts are considered "racing" or "hazardous driving"?

I never actually try to race anyone else because that takes their attention off the road, and once up to the speed limit I always take my foot off the gas and let everyone else pass me by. I'm not interested in actually going fast, only accelerating fast and sometimes cornering fast (in open and deserted areas with visibility of the road ahead).

Answer 1

It would depend on the officer that may be watching. Actually, I wouldn't worry about it. By the way, BMW's aren't known more for their quick acceleration. It's their stability at top speeds and the fact they're well built & usually dependable.

Answer 2

The way I understand the law is that hard acceleration is legal if you do not squeal your tires, exceed the speed limit, change lanes improperly, or drive recklessly.  Of course, such actions could draw the attention of officers - and they would find a reason to pull you over.

Answer 3

It could be considered any number of things, depends on how the officer looks at it.  It's also a huge waste of gas.

Answer 4

many officers would declare that an [exhibition of speed] yes and if its fun, its normally NOT legal...

Answer 5

well i was pulled over for what your saying and the officer called it "accelerating to fast" wtf!!! i just starting being a ***** and he just gave me a warning but still wtf i wish i got his badge number so i could have reported it because i know that is not illegal

(i didnt even spin the tires, it was at a red light just turned green and i slammed on the gas, and the *** pulled me over when i was 10mph below the speed limit)

Answer 6

Why speeding? For experience sake? Or just for a car test? Anyway, most auto models are not actually made for speed, but fuel-economical wise, if you're planning to get a car...

BMW is OK in speed and stability, not really fast, but decent in speed.

Answer 7

If there is another car beside you at a stoplight and you "floor it" and a cop sees you, yes he/she may consider it drag racing.  Why not just go to the drag strip on a test and tune night and play all you want and drive sensible on the street.