Anti-Hooning Laws
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Dec 04 2008
2008 >>

MR LAWLOR asked the Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport (MS SPENCE)—

QUESTION:

How are the new tough anti-hooning laws improving safety on our streets and in particular, what impact is this having in the Gold Coast district?

ANSWER:

The Bligh Government will not tolerate the dangerous attitudes of some drivers who defy the law and put the lives of others at risk on our roads.

In November 2002, the Government introduced ground breaking ‘anti hooning’ laws which gave police additional powers to combat ‘hooning’ behaviour on Queensland roads. These laws allow for vehicle confiscation for ‘type 1’ offences involving dangerous driving, careless driving, conducting speed trials, and making unnecessary noise or smoke in circumstances that involve a speed trial, a race between motor vehicles, or a burn out. Police can confiscate vehicles used for these offences for a period of 48 hours. If a person re-offends within three yeas, a court may order impoundment of a vehicle for up to three months for a second offence, or its forfeiture for a third or subsequent offence.
Under these laws, we have impounded more than 5000 vehicles.

Since the implementation of the anti-hooning legislation in November 2002 and up to 30 September 2008, a total of 976 vehicles have been confiscated in Gold Coast District for a first offence, and 13 for a second offence. In July 2007, the Government introduced new impoundment legislation allowing police to impound motor vehicles from drivers who repeatedly ignore the laws and drive unregistered and uninsured vehicles, drive whilst unlicensed or disqualified, drink drive over the high alcohol limit, fail to supply a specimen of breath or blood or drive illegally modified vehicles. These offences are referred to as ‘type 2’ offences. Type 2 offences were identified in 28.9% of fatal crashes in Queensland during 2005- 2006.

The legislation was trialled in North Coast and Southern Police Regions on 1 July 2007 and extended to South Eastern Region on 1 December 2007. The laws were introduced to the remainder of the State on 1 July 2008. The laws provide for the impoundment for
48 hours of the vehicle of any driver who commits a relevant offence twice within three years. Any driver who commits a third relevant offence within the period will risk having his or her vehicle impounded for up to three months.

Persistent serial offenders, who are found guilty of a relevant offence committed on at least four occasions within the period, will risk having their vehicle permanently forfeited to the State. As at 30 September 2008, police have impounded 2849 motor vehicles for 48 hours statewide and since the commencement of the laws in the Gold Coast District, 293 motor vehicles have been impounded as the result of repeat offending. This Government makes no apology for getting tough on ‘hoons’ and doing what is necessary to ensure the safety of the responsible motoring public.

Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 1:53 AM