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Disposal and surrender of vehicles – new law
Date : 18 Jun 2009
Current penalties for hoon driving or improper use of vehicles
Under hoon driving laws a vehicle may be immobilised or impounded for 48 hours if it has been involved in a hoon driving offence.
If a person is caught a second time, a court may order that their vehicle be impounded for up to three months.
If a person is caught on three or more occasions, a court may order that their vehicle may be confiscated permanently.
New court powers for disposal of vehicles
A court may now make a disposal order if a vehicle has been impounded and the driver or owner fails to:
- pay the cost of storage
- collect the vehicle two months after the vehicle is allowed to be collected
- attend court in relation to a ‘hoon driving’ offence – a notice must be served on the driver and any other person who has an interest in the vehicle 28 days before a disposal order hearing.
New penalties if vehicle is not surrendered
It is now an offence to refuse or fail to surrender a vehicle if an order has been made by the court. The maximum penalty for failing to surrender a vehicle is 60 penalty units.
Uncollected goods
Police must not dispose of goods left inside or attached to a vehicle unless they have made reasonable steps to locate the owner.