Victoria Police is authorised to impound or immobilise a vehicle for 30 days immediately at the roadside when an individual commits a high risk, or dangerous driving or a hoon offence, such as:
- speeding where a vehicle is driven at 45 kilometres per hour or more over the applicable speed limit (or 145 kilometres per hour or more if the speed limit is 110 kilometres per hour)
- loss of traction
- street racing
- deliberately or recklessly entering a level crossing when a train is approaching
- refusing to stop when directed by police
- carrying more passengers than there are seatbelts
- repeat offences of unlicensed or disqualified driving
- repeat drink driving where the Blood Alcohol Content is 0.1 or more
- repeat drug driving.
Second offenders can have their vehicle impounded or immobilised for 30 days at the road side by police. When the offender goes to court a further period of impoundment of 45 days (minimum) will be imposed. Courts can impound vehicles for up to three months.
Extreme high risk speeding offenders, such as travelling over the speed limit by 70km/h or more (or exceed 170 km/h in a 110 km/h speed zone), are fast tracked and treated as second offenders.
Third offenders (or second offenders if one of the offences is extreme high risk speeding) can have their vehicle impounded or immobilised for 30 days at the road side by police. When the offender goes to court, permanent vehicle confiscation can apply.
To report hoon driving activity call the Crime Stoppers Hoon Hotline on 1800 333 000 or visit the Crime Stoppers website.