Is it illegal to drift in a public parking lot?

[nobb]

No, I am not some punk street racer kid. But there is this big snow covered public parking lot that I park in everyday. When I get off late from university, this lot is very empty with wide open spaces. I have been "playing around" in this parking just to practice my winter driving skills such as deliberate skids, hard cornering/braking, and the occasional drift. Yes I admit it is fun, but my intentions are mostly to learn how my car handles the snow and ice so I will better know how to handle emergency situations incase I ever need to. I make sure there is no one around, or other vehicles that I can hurt. Is this illegal because it is a public lot?

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Let's just say if someone tells you not to on the campus, to stop immediately since it is gubbament property.

 

[Aikouka]

I dun think the mounties would appreciate it much. It may be considered "for educational purposes", but it's still no more dangerous than people doing donuts in a parking lot and possibly aggravating to others. They'd probably tell you to stop but not fine you or whatever them Moose ridin' people do.

 

[evident]

where is the best place to practice these types of maneuvers?

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: evident
where is the best place to practice these types of maneuvers?

On the freeway

 

[Lord Banshee]

Start going to autocross events, also known as SCCA Solo2. They are like 20 dollars for the day where you race on a timed tracked made by cones. It is fun, addictive, legal, and you learn what your car and your self can and can not do after enough events.

 

[StageLeft]

I have done it but no it's not legal and you could get a ticket, though a cop may give a warning if you come off looking contrite. I feel it is an incredibly safe activity as long as you don't hit poles, cars, curbs, but some people just don't like to have fun.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
I have done it but no it's not legal and you could get a ticket, though a cop may give a warning if you come off looking contrite. I feel it is an incredibly safe activity as long as you don't hit poles, cars, PEOPLE, curbs, but some people just don't like to have fun.

 

[Vic]

You mean something like this?

 

[Gillbot]

Most parking lots are not "public" and are owned by someone or some company. If you play without their permission, you WILL get into trouble.

 

[imported_Imp]

If you're in Ontario, I sure as hell wouldn't. Not sure what parking lots count as, but you don't want to be tagged a "street racer" or "stunter".

 

[0roo0roo]

yup, only on a track or official place that sanctions it.
otherwise its basically ticket worthy if you get caught.

 

[DarkThinker]

In the college of engineering that I am in, our Formula SAE team uses the parking lot to do slalom and high speed tests, keep in mind these little rockets have a pretty neat weight to power ratio that make them insanely fast.

So anyways, one Summer's Friday afternoon, the SAE laid out cones in the entire parking lot and where doing slalom tests. I know the guys, so I asked them to keep the cones around for another 30 minutes so that me and my buddy can utilize the lot for "educational purposes". Needles to say it was hilarious, my professors that I do research under would be walking by and I am going Colin Mcrae in the lot and stuff, it was a different day...

Right now, the lot is filled with snow, and what a better time for me to re-apply my knowledge than right now? brb...

 

[nobb]

It is a public lot owned by the city (well, the transit). I feel that this is actually a very safe activity if you know what you are doing. If you saw the big open empty parking lot, you would understand. There does not seem to be any legal way to practice such manoevers in the snow and ice. I think alot of accidents could be prevented in the winter time if more people knew how to better handle their cars (in addition to driving slower). For example, I have seen many people lose control in a turn and attempt to recover by immediately slamming on the brakes.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Depends on the parking lot. And I would guess that if a cop drove by he'd probably light you up at the very least just to see what you're up to.

 

[KentState]

I would just get in an accident. I mean, it's not as smart as understanding your car, but at least you won't be getting in trouble in a parking lot.