55-10-501. Part definitions.

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: 

(1) "Drag racing" means: 

(A) That use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the maximum speed obtainable by the vehicle; 

(B) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of ascertaining the highest obtainable speed of the vehicle within a certain distance or within a certain time limit; 

(C) The use of any one (1) or more motor vehicles for the purpose of comparing the relative speeds of such vehicle or vehicles, or for comparing the relative speeds of such vehicle or vehicles within a certain distance or within a certain time limit; 

(D) The use of one (1) or more motor vehicles in an attempt to outgain, outdistance or to arrive at a given destination simultaneous with or prior to that of any other motor vehicle; or 

(E) The use of any motor vehicle for the purpose of the accepting of, or the carrying out of any challenge, made orally, in writing, or otherwise, made or received with reference to the performance abilities of one (1) or more motor vehicles; 

(2) "Participant" means that person or persons who operate any motor vehicle or motor vehicles upon the public highways of this state, or that of any municipality or political subdivision thereof, for the purpose of "drag racing" as defined in this section, and also any person or persons who arrange for, supervise, or in any way and manner set in motion any such "drag racing" as defined in this section, regardless of whether or not such person or persons may be the operator of, or be a passenger in, any motor vehicle participating in such "drag racing"; and 

(3) "Public highways" means all of the streets, roads, highways, expressways, bridges and viaducts, including any and all adjacent rights-of-way thereto, which are owned, constructed, and/or maintained by the state of Tennessee, and/or any municipality or political subdivision of the state of Tennessee, and any and all highways, roads, streets, etc., which have been dedicated to the public use. 

[Acts 1959, ch. 115, § 1; T.C.A., § 59-1040.]