Hoons and repeat dangerous drivers will face tougher penalties under a Queensland government plan to beef up impoundment laws.
Someone caught for a first hooning offence, such as street racing or burn-outs, will face an automatic seven day impoundment of their vehicle, up from the current 48 hours.
A second offence will attract an automatic 28-day impoundment and police will be able to apply to the courts to have the vehicle seized for up to three months.
Under the current laws, a car is only impounded for 48 hours for a second offence unless police secure court approval for a three month impoundment.
The new rules, approved by State Cabinet this morning, will see vehicles impounded after a third offence for four weeks, with police having the ability to apply for the vehicle to be forfeited.
The measures also apply to repeat dangerous driving offences, such as drive unregistered and uninsured vehicles, driving while unlicensed or disqualified, or driving with a high-range blood alcohol level.
Police Minister Neil Roberts said 28,000 vehicles had been impounded for a 48-hour period since anti-hooning laws were introduced in 2002.
Premier Anna Bligh, announcing the changes this afternoon, said the new legislation would be introduced by the end of the year.
"Hoons and repeat dangerous drivers have no place on our roads," she said.
"Their behaviour makes them a danger to themselves and a danger to other road users."
