Queensland Police Impound 20,000 Cars Over Eight Years Of Anti-Hoon Laws

New figures released by Queensland police this week show that 20,336 (as of May 10) of the 'sunshine state's' motorists have had their cars impounded since its anti-hoon laws were introduced in 2002.

The numbers put Queensland on par with Victoria, the southern state's police force locking away more than 10,000 'hoon' cars in the past four years.

Labelled as the toughest in Australia, Queensland's anti-hoon laws initially empowered police to target street racing, 'time trials' and 'burnouts'.

Five years later, the laws were extended to enable police to focus on unregistered and uninsured vehicles, along with motorists driving while disqualified, unlicensed or with a blood-alcohol content higher than 0.15 percent.

"Reckless driving in our community will not be tolerated. If you don't follow the rules we will get you off the road," Police Minister Neil Roberts said.

"Our tough laws hit the offenders where it hurts by taking away their vehicles and protects the community by getting these irresponsible drivers off Queensland roads."

Queensland's anti-hoon laws allow a vehicle to be held for 48 hours on a first offence, three months for a second and indefinitely for a third offence - with the state having the power to sell the vehicle.