The state government has passed new hooning laws to toughen Queensland’s stance on reckless driving.
Under the new laws, the following actions are deemed an offence: spectating a hooning event, organising or promoting an event, and filming or photographing a hooning event for the purpose of promotion.
Comprehensive laws targeting drivers have also been introduced, such as stricter approach to impoundment and forfeiture of motor vehicles.
The onus of guilt now falls onto the owner of a vehicle caught hooning to prove they were not the driver.
The Queensland Road Safety Strategy estimated the economic cost of road trauma in 2020 was $6 billion and accounts for almost 15% of hospital admissions.
Minister for police and Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said hooning would not be tolerated.
“If you want to tear up our roads, we’ll tear up your car,” he said.
“If you behave in an anti-social manner and put the lives of others and yourself at risk you will be targeted relentlessly by police.
“Too many lives are lost on our roads.”
Queensland police commissioner Katarina Carroll said the majority of Queenslanders understood the importance of road safety and they were “sick and tired this kind of behaviour”.
“Dangerous driving and hooning-related behaviour not only endangers the lives of those behind the wheel, but they also put innocent members of the public at risk,” she said.
“Queensland Police employ a range of covert and overt strategies, including the use of unmarked motorbikes, to patrol known hotspots and take enforcement action.
“Our message to anyone taking part in high-risk activities on our roads is that we will continue to target you, investigate your dangerous antics and take action against you.”
