: On the 11th day of Christmas . . . don't race to lose your licence

Boy racers with an automotive wish list for Christmas may lose their pressies quicker than they expect if they don't abide by new laws.

"Illegal street racing is not only dangerous," says Road Policing Manager Inspector Neil Wynne, "it has a huge impact on residents whose lives are disrupted by this inconsiderate and antisocial behaviour. The new amendments to the law will help us to target offenders where it hurts them the most - their cars and their licences."

Police are also urging parents to ensure they are clear on the licence conditions of their children, and to take greater responsibility in ensuring those conditions are not breached.

Inspector Wynne said: "To the drivers this may seem like a bit of fun; at worst a nuisance, but we have first-hand experience of how nuisance driving can very quickly escalate into dangerous driving and the consequences have in some cases proven fatal."

The amendments to the law (Land Transport (Enforcement Powers) Amendment Act 2009) came into effect on 1 December. It now means: • The impoundment of vehicles for street racing offences was previously a discretionary power. Now it is a mandatory 28 days. • Some drivers 'cruise' alone or in convoy along a road drawing attention to themselves with the noise and power of their engines. Local authorities can now create bylaws to prohibit cruising. • Anyone breaching a bylaw will be subject to a warning valid for 90 days. A breach of the bylaw within that 90 days will see the vehicle impounded for 28 days. • Any vehicle ordered off the road for excessive exhaust noise must pass a standard WOF or COF before being allowed back on the road. • As well as fines for graduated licence breaches, drivers can face 35 demerit points. With licence breaches police can also forbid the person to drive and confiscate vehicle keys. • Police can direct vehicles to be inspected. • Registration plate offences can bring 25 demerits • Legislation now allows for enhanced penalties for those who fail to stop when signalled to do so by a police officer. This could leave to a mandatory three-month minimum driver licence disqualification if it is a repeat offence or accompanied by dangerous driving or excessive speed. This would be in addition to any other disqualification. If someone fails top stop for a third or subsequent occasion there is a 12 month mandatory disqualification and a term of imprisonment. • Failing to provide details to a police officer now attracts a fine of up to $20,000. • If someone is facing prosecution for street racing offences the sale of the vehicle can now be prohibited. This will prevent ownership of a vehicle to be transferred if a confiscation on conviction is likely. • The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will now charge $65 to reinstate a driver licence that has been revoked, suspended (other than 28-day suspensions) or disqualified.

In addition the Sentencing Amendment Act allows for: • Vehicles to be seized or destroyed as a penalty. • Vehicles to be seized and sold to pay overdue fines.

"Drivers also have to consider the consequences of modifying their vehicles," says Inspector Wynne. "Modification can leave a vehicle unroadworthy, so any alteration has to be certified by an authorised automotive engineer. Motor companies spend billions developing cars to safe specifications and yet some people think they can do the same in their back-yard.

"What drivers should remember is it only takes 100 demerit points to lose your licence. With some offences now carrying penalties of 25 to 35 demerits, it won't take long drivers to find themselves having to live without their pride and joy."

This advice forms part of the 12 Crime of Christmas campaign by Central District Police who wish you a very merry and safe Christmas and New Year.

Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.

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