Bill passed to tackle antisocial road users

The Government has delivered on its commitment to crack down on boy racers, fleeing drivers, and other antisocial road users, with Parliament passing the Antisocial Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.

“At present, the consequences for antisocial driving behaviour have not been strong enough to deter this appalling behaviour. Communities across New Zealand have been forced to put up with illegal street racing, burnouts, fleeing drivers, intimidating convoys, disorderly dirt bike gatherings and siren battles for far too long,” Mr Bishop says.

“New Zealanders have had enough. These activities put participants, bystanders and Police at risk, disrupt neighbourhoods, and create fear and frustration for law-abiding Kiwis. This law sends a very clear message: if you use our roads to intimidate or endanger communities, there will be serious consequences.”

The new offences and penalties include:

Establishing a presumptive sentence of vehicle destruction or forfeiture for those that flee Police, street racers, intimidating convoys, and owners who fail to identify offending drivers
Giving Police more powers to manage antisocial vehicle gatherings by closing roads or public areas and issuing infringements
Increasing the infringement fee for making excessive noise from or within a vehicle from $50 to $300

“These changes mean convicted fleeing drivers, street racers, and people participating in intimidating convoys can expect to lose their vehicles through destruction or forfeiture, unless limited exceptions apply,” Mr Bishop says.

“The legislation also ensures penalties for excessive vehicle noise better reflect the impact this behaviour has on communities.”

Minister Mitchell says the new law gives Police stronger tools to respond to antisocial road use and protect communities.

“For too long, the consequences haven’t matched the harm being caused. This law backs Police with the powers they need to manage antisocial vehicle gatherings and ensure repeat offenders face meaningful consequences,” Mr Mitchell says.

“People have had enough of this dangerous, obnoxious behaviour. Excessive noise, siren battles, illegal street racing and fleeing Police is not harmless fun. It is intimidating, disruptive, and places people at risk.

“Antisocial road use has no place in New Zealand. Our message is clear: if you choose to engage in this behaviour, expect serious and lasting consequences.”

The Bill was recommended for passage by the Justice Committee following public submissions from councils, community groups, businesses and individuals.

Importantly, the legislation includes safeguards to ensure penalties remain fair and proportionate, and does not target lawful car enthusiasts or legal motorsport events.

“This law is tightly focused on illegal behaviour,” Mr Bishop says.

“Our message is simple: if you want to drive dangerously and intimidate communities, face the consequences.”

Notes to editor: 

Most changes will come into effect in six-months’ time. This transition period allows for changes to be circulated with frontline staff and for judiciary and legal stakeholders to be able to the operationalise changes. ...