Driving & Traffic
9. Hoon Laws
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 20 Jul 2015
- In New South Wales the Vehicle Sanctions Scheme allows police to issue an immediate penalty for ‘hoon’ driving.
- Hoon driving includes:
- street or drag racing;
- committing an aggravated burnout which means the burnout is performed with petrol or other inflammable liquid on the road surface;
- engaging in a police pursuit; and
- speeding by more than 45 kilometres above the speed limit.
- A driver found committing a hoon offence in their own vehicle may face the following sanctions:
- immediate suspension of their driver’s licence;
- loss of their licence plates for three months;
- impoundment of their vehicle for three months; or
- being required to produce their vehicle at a specified place within 10 days.
- Where the driver is not the registered owner of the vehicle Roads and Maritime Services may issue a warning that if the same vehicle is used in a further hoon offence that vehicle’s registration may be suspended for 3 months.
- Police can immediately suspend a driver’s licence following a person being charged with a hoon offence. The suspension remains in place until the charge is determined by a court.
- People other than the driver of a vehicle can be charged with an aggravated burnout offence. This includes a person who:
- willingly participates in an aggravated burnout;
- urges others to participate in an aggravated burnout; or
- photographs or films an aggravated burnout.
- You can apply to the court for the early release of confiscated plates or an impounded vehicle.
- It is an offence to drive a vehicle that has had its number plates confiscated. This includes driving a vehicle with no plates or false plates.
View more Information on Criminal Law