The "Boy Racer" Act

The Land Transport (Unauthorised Street and Drag Racing) Amendment Act 2003 is aimed at street racing and burnouts in public places and came into force on 1 May 2003. There are heavy penalties for breaking the new laws. Existing laws against noisy or modified vehicles still apply.

If you drive a car in an illegal street race or accelerate in an unnecessary way on a road, or, if you do wheel spins, "donuts" or drive a car on a road in a way that causes the car to lose traction (unless authorised by law):

• You could face 3 months in prison, or fines up to $4,500; and lose your licence for at least 6 months.
• Police may impound your car for 28 days at your expense - effective immediately.
• If you injure or kill someone while doing this, you could go to prison for up to 5 years, or face a fine up to $20,000 and lose your licence for 1 year.

If you pour or spill petrol, oil, diesel fuel, or any other any other slippery substance likely to cause a vehicle to lose traction, onto any road.

• You could face an infringement fee of $600, or if it goes to Court, a fine up to $3,000.

See also:

• More questions and answers about The Land Transport (Unauthorised Street and Drag Racing) Amendment Act 2003.
• Noisy exhausts and the warrant of fitness inspection from the Land Transport Safety Authority

Vehicle Impoundment

If your car is caught in an illegal street race, an unnecessary exhibition of speed, or a burnout, Police may impound the vehicle for 28 days at your expense - effective immediately.

If that happens, your car will be ordered off the road until you get a new warrant of fitness.

The new warrant can only be issued by an approved vehicle testing station run by the NZAA, On Road NZ, Vehicle Testing NZ, or Vehicle Inspection NZ. These agencies are listed in local telephone books.

The "Boy Racer" Act does not apply to street or car races which are authorised by law or held in legally designated areas - use them.