South Australia Police (SAPOL) has warned motorists that payment plans are off the table with tough new impound penalties targeting dangerous driving, driving under the influence and speeding.
SAPOL said that to stamp out irresponsible road behaviour, confiscated vehicles would now cost $1,135.50 (minimum fee) to be released from impound after 28 days.
The police said that after the mandatory 28-day period, offenders would have 10 additional days to pay the fee, which could jump as high as $1,395.50, before the vehicle was sold or crushed.
Minister for Police, Emergency Services and Correctional Services and Road Safety, Vincent Tarzia said drivers should be aware of the costly, and deadly, consequences of bad road behaviour and do the right thing.
“Follow the rules and you have nothing to worry about,” Mr Tarzia said.
“In the past, we have seen hoons go on payment plans for years on end, essentially fast-tracking the return of their vehicle after the impound period ends without paying the price,” he said.
“Vehicles, if used irresponsibly, are weapons in the wrong hands and reckless road users need to be held to account.”
The Minister said the new penalties were a result of an amendment to the Criminal Law (Clamping, Impounding and Forfeiture of Vehicles) Act 2007.
Mr Tarzia said money collected from the sale and scrapping of vehicles must be used to cover related fees and a court order may be issued to pay a credit provider before remaining money was returned to general revenue.
He said offenders could request to have their vehicle destroyed at a cost of $320, instead of paying the impound fee.
A copy of the 24-page Criminal Law (Clamping, Impounding and Forfeiture of Vehicles) Act 2007 can be accessed at this PS News link and details about SAPOL’s Traffic Watch App to dob in hoons can be found at this link.
