Hoon drivers face increased jail sentences and licence disqualifications under tough new laws introduced to Parliament this week.
Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said the Bill would create a new offence to directly target extreme speed drivers.
"Hoons are a blight on our community who place little or no value on their lives or the lives of others," Attorney-General Chapman said.
"Under these laws, motorists convicted of driving at an extreme speed could be jailed for up to three years and face a mandatory minimum two-year licence disqualification for a first offence. The licence disqualification period would be increased to five years for a subsequent offence.
"Police would also have the ability to strip those reasonably believed to have committed this offence of their licence on-the-spot."
Extreme speed is defined as driving at 55km/hr or more above the limit in a zone marked 60 or less, or 80km/hr or more in a zone marked above 60.
"These new penalties recognise the risk these dangerous drivers pose to the community and provide penalties that reflect the serious nature of this type of offending," Attorney-General Chapman said.
In certain circumstances, the maximum penalty could be increased to up to five years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum licence disqualification for five years.
Those circumstances include;
- Where the offence was committed while attempting to escape a police pursuit
- Where the offending caused death or serious harm
- Where the vehicle driven was stolen
- Where the offender was driving while disqualified
- Where the offender was on a provisional or probationary licence, a learner's permit, or unlicensed
- Where the offender was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
In addition, where the car involved is registered to the offender, the car may also be forfeited to the State.
Minister for Road Safety Vincent Tarzia said this new legislation will help protect all road users.
"This sends a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated," Minister Tarzia said.
"Every time you get behind the wheel, think about your family, friends and loved ones. They need you to arrive home safely."
This Bill was drafted in close consultation with Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, who has seen first-hand the distressing results of extreme speeding.
LINK TO VIDEO SHOWN AT PRESS CONFERENCE HERE: https://youtu.be/yCnPQTwtrog
