I guess the simple question is, is burning rubber illegal?
As others have said, it depends on the city but probably yes.
For example, in San Mateo, California, it would be an offense under title 11 of the Municipal Code:
11.12.050 EXCESSIVE ACCELERATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES.
It is unlawful for any person operating a motor vehicle within the City to so accelerate the same as to cause audible noise by tire friction on pavement or to cause the tires of said vehicle to leave skid marks upon the pavement, except when such acceleration is reasonably necessary to avoid a collision. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a public offense.
Same question but instead you only use launch control, so no loss of reaction, and don’t go over speed limit… Although the cop would hear the brup, brup, brup, brup… Braap… Brrraaaap, and you slow down the rpms to not exceed speed limit…
If you make your car fart on purpose, hopefully yes.
It’s an “exhibition of speed” and is some form of illegal in nearly all regions.
It’s actually more interesting to figure out where it ISN’T illegal.
Can’t remember where it happened, but I’ve read about someone being pulled over for pulling away from the traffic lights too quick.
I think it falls under reckless driving
Yes, “excessive acceleration”
In New Zealand it would be classed as ‘Sustained Loss of Traction’ and would be illegal.
White? 50/50 you get away with it.
Latino? Black? Vietnamese? Ticket at minimum.
Why are vietnamese singled out?
If he runs he’s a VC
They’re talking about cops in Cambodia, obviously.
If it’s raining, there’s snow on the ground, or many other low traction scenarios, the cop would have to really want to pull you over. Chances are they won’t.
On a clear, dry day, depending on where you are, barking your tires is a violation of nuisance laws. Again, most likely not getting pulled over unless you consistently did it.
Now, if you stomped on it and your tires broke loose, you are looking at reckless operation of a motor vehicle. Expect to be stopped.
It mostly comes down to conditions and level of egregiousness… and how bad of a day the cop is having / wanting you to have.
Oh, I definitely meant broke tires.
As others have said it can fall under a variety of offenses. Another offense that refers to this is “Stunting”.
Around here they refer to it as ‘unreasonable acceleration’.
What? That’s illegal?
Yeah, loss of control basically
It’s to help prevent people from racing from stoplight to stoplight.
I’m sure there’s something at the state level, found a local ref here. Seems to be one of those laws where it’s illegal if they already wanted a reason to mess with the driver.
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/aitkin/latest/aitkin_mn/0-0-0-802
Prima facie evidence of unnecessary exhibition of speed shall be squealing or screeching sounds emitted by the tires, or the throwing of dirt by the tires of the vehicle, or both
EVs can accelerate quickly while not making much noise… I guess it’s okay to quickly accelerate with an EV then?
It should be, if not. Pedestrians need to cross roads. Other cars need to enter roads, change lanes, etc. Cars accelerating at unreasonable rates will cause an accident.
I agree about pedestrians, but cars changing lanes should to be aware of their surroundings, including cars that are approaching them.
Cars accelerating at unreasonable rates
How do you define “unreasonable” though, especially with EVs that can accelerate quickly?
Unreasonable gives cops and judges a lot of leeway. Words like that should be illegal. If you can’t pin it down, it can’t be a law.
Unreasonable is any rate of acceleration that other cars can’t safely navigate around and amongst.
Yes.
Source: a cop who used this exact scenario as an example of “letter/spirit” of the law, saying if it was raining and the tires chirped on the crosswalk surface, that wasn’t the same as laying it down on dry pavement.
I heard that it’s called “exhibition”.
‘exhibition of speed’ is what ive heard.
Improper Start is a term used around here by the cops.
Unsafe start is the term in my area
I wouldn’t recommend it. I did this once (didn’t see the cop). He just pulled up next to me at the next red light and shook his head in disapproval, but I fully expected to be pulled over. Tbf I’m white and was presenting female at the time, so I imagine it would have gone differently if I was any other demographic.
