The Government has announced a major crackdown on boy racers, fleeing drivers, and anti-social road users, with new legislation due mid-2025.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell said current penalties are not strong enough to deter dangerous and disruptive behaviour on New Zealand roads.
“At present, the penalties for anti-social or intimidating driving behaviour aren’t strong enough to deter this appalling behaviour. Police reporting shows that some types of anti-social road events are actually increasing in frequency. We’re saying enough is enough,” Bishop said.
The upcoming law changes will include mandatory vehicle forfeiture or destruction for offenders convicted of fleeing Police, street racing, intimidating convoys, or failing to identify a driver responsible for such actions.
“There will be some limited exceptions where the vehicle is owned by someone other than the offender, or if it would be manifestly unjust or cause extreme or undue hardship to do so,” Bishop said.
Police will also be given new powers to manage illegal vehicle gatherings, including the ability to close roads, parks, and car parks, and issue immediate fines.
The fine for excessive noise from a vehicle will rise from $50 to $300. In court, that could increase from $1,000 to a maximum of $3,000.
Mitchell said the law changes would also help police control unlawful dirt bike groups and large convoys.
“People have had enough of boy racers and their dangerous, obnoxious behaviour. These people drive without regard for the danger and disruption it causes to our communities. They have no consideration for anyone other than themselves,” Mitchell said.
Key changes in the proposed legislation include:
- Defining anti-social road users as those who: flee Police while speeding or driving dangerously, participate in unauthorised street racing or burnouts, take part in intimidating convoys or illegal dirt bike gatherings, or cause excessive noise including through siren battles.
- Expanding the offence for vehicle owners who don’t immediately provide information about drivers to now include street racing, burnouts, and convoys. Courts must order the vehicle destroyed or forfeited unless it would be manifestly unjust or cause serious hardship. Courts may also impose fines of up to $10,000.
- Giving Police powers to:
- Close any public or private areas accessible to vehicles, such as car parks and parks
- Penalise anyone who refuses to leave closed areas without a reasonable excuse with a $1,000 infringement or up to $3,000 in court
“Anti-social road use and illegal street racing have no place in New Zealand,” Mitchell said. “Our message is clear: if you want to drive dangerously, face the consequences.”
