Victorian Hoons To Lose Vehicle For 30 Days

Victoria's tough anti-hoon laws are about to get tougher, with the state's Coalition Government announcing this week that it will extend police impound rights from 48 hours to 30 days.

Roads Minister Terry Mulder described the new laws as a "strong message that hoon driving will not be tolerated". 

"The Coalition Government is taking tough action on road safety against people who have no regard for the safety of other road users and pedestrians," Mr Mulder said.

"These new laws will send a clear message to hoon drivers that they will be taken off the road for longer under the Coalition Government's new laws."

The new laws will come into effect from July 1, giving police the right to immediately impound a vehicle for 30 days.

Mr Mulder said that other changes will include an extension from three to six years in which prior offences can be taken into account when determining if a vehicle impoundment offence is a second or subsequent offence.

The laws will also allow police to carry our roadworthiness checks on impounded vehicles, issue defect notices or permanently ban the use of the vehicle outright.

"Since hoon laws were introduced in 2006 more than 13,000 vehicles have been impounded but there is an ongoing challenge to reduce the number of dangerous drivers who engage in hoon behaviour," he added.

Police records show that an average of 10 vehicles are impounded in Victoria each day. Currently 44 percent of hoon offenders are L or P plate drivers.

Hoons caught a second time face losing their car for up to three months. In cases of extreme speeding (70km/h or more), they can lose their car altogether.

If a driver cannot pay the fines and costs associated with their offence and with impoundment, their vehicle can be forfeited to police, who may crush or dispose of the vehicle (including selling it).