Vehicle Clamping/Confiscation

Vehicle clamping and confiscation laws are enacted to deter people from using their vehicles in an irresponsible and dangerous manner on our roads.

If you are the driver of a vehicle that is involved in:

Reckless or dangerous driving
Street racing or time trials
Making unnecessary and unreasonable noise
An exhibition of speed, acceleration or loss of traction (burn-outs or donuts)
Speeding at, or in excess of, 45 kilometres per hour over the speed limit
Driving while disqualified, when caught on a second or subsequent occasion
Evading police under the Police Powers (Vehicle Interception) Act 2000
Trespassing on the property of another with that vehicle, or
Refusing to leave an area, or returning to an area, after being told by a police officer to leave.

The vehicle may be clamped or impounded by police for at least twenty-eight days.
You may be arrested.
You may be required to appear in court at a later date.
If convicted, you may be fined a large sum and will be ordered to pay a special compulsory penalty of $600 by the court.
You may lose your licence for up to two years.
You may face imprisonment for up to three months.

If you are caught committing any of the offences listed above for a second or subsequent time, the following penalties apply:

The vehicle can be clamped or confiscated for a period of three months or longer.
Police may seize the vehicle until all existing charges are resolved.
Police may seek a forfeiture order (the vehicle can be seized permanently).
If you are not the owner of the vehicle the court may impose a significant monetary penalty on you.

It does not matter if the vehicle you are driving at the time of the offence is yours.

The vehicle may be clamped or confiscated at any time during the 14 day period immediately following the time of the offence.

People who act within the law and the driving conditions will not be affected by this legislation.

To report irresponsible driving, contact the Police Assistance Line 131 444.