Hoon driving & failing to stop – new law

Date created: 11 December 2007

Failing to stop when directed by police

Law applies from: 8 November 2007

It is an offence to continue driving if you know (or should have been aware) that police have signalled or directed you to stop. You have to pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do this. Police could direct you to stop by flashing their lights or headlights, using a hand signal or siren or any other clear signal.

Penalties

Fine/jail

The maximum penalty that can be ordered depends on whether you have been found guilty of the offence before. The court could impose a fine of up to 60 penalty units and six months in jail, even if this is your first offence. These penalties could be doubled if you have been found guilty of this offence in the past.

Licence cancellation

If a court finds you guilty of this offence they must disqualify you from driving and cancel your licence or permit for at least six months.

Stop you driving the car – hoon driving offences

The offence of ‘failing to stop’ has been added to the list of ‘hoon driving’ offences. This means that the vehicle that was used when the offence was committed can be: