Double trouble: Problem drivers pay big bucks to save cars as repeat offender rate revealed

Idiot motorists are pouring big bucks into police coffers to save their cars, as authorities reveal how many of the problem drivers are repeat offenders.

A hoon crackdown has netted hundreds of vehicles in its first two months, many of them repeat offenders, with “selfish, rotten” drivers paying almost $250,000 in impound fees to save their cars.

Latest SA Police figures reveal 744 cars have been impounded since July 1 because motorists were caught driving dangerously or recklessly on South Australian roads.

A staggering 339 – or 45.6 per cent – of vehicles seized were as a result of a driver’s second or subsequent offence.

There so far have been 235 vehicles returned at a cost of $248,955. The Advertiser in June revealed drivers would have their impounded vehicles crushed or sold for scrap metal if they failed to pay a maximum $1400 in full within 38 days of confiscation.

Offences resulting in the most impounds between July 1 and August 30 included:

DRIVING while disqualified – 239 vehicles.

DRIVING with a prescribed concentration of alcohol in blood – 208 vehicles.

DRIVING unlicensed having been previously disqualified for drug-driving – 55 vehicles.

DRIVING unlicensed having never held a licence to drive a certain car – 54 vehicles.

REFUSING a blood-alcohol test – 26 vehicles.

Six vehicles were signed over to police by their drivers, who each chose to pay a $320 destruction fee rather than any impound costs. Five vehicles already have been crushed.

The police figures also show five drivers were caught street racing – including one more than 45km/h above the limit – and another in a manner dangerous to the public.

Another motorist, who had never held a licence, lost their vehicle for dangerous driving to escape police, while two others – with a child in the car – refused a blood-alcohol test.

SA police minister Vincent Tarzia. Picture: Matt Loxton

Road Safety Minister Vincent Tarzia said drivers who did not want to part with their vehicle or cash needed to follow road rules or risk having it sold or crushed. 

“These penalties are for the selfish, rotten drivers who show no consideration for other road users,” Mr Tarzia said.

“If you commit the crime, you pay the price.

“We’re hitting repeat offenders, hoons and idiot drivers where it hurts. We make no apologies for this crackdown.”

A driver whose vehicle is clamped and impounded must pay a $1135.50 release fee after the 28-day confiscation period ends. This increases to $1395.50 for an additional 10 days.

A vulnerable driver may apply to SA Police to have their vehicle returned on hardship grounds.

Vehicles can be impounded or clamped if a driver has been charged, arrested or reported for up to 23 offences including dangerous driving, drink and drug-driving and excessive speeding.

It can also apply to driving an unregistered or uninsured vehicle, driving unlicensed, leaving the scene of a crash, failing to obey police or misuse of a motor vehicle.

Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said SA Police made no apologies for removing vehicles from the road and making it hard for selfish drivers to get them back.

“What’s really disappointing is that nearly half the people who had their vehicles imp­ounded in the past month have previously had their vehicles impounded before these measures came into effect,” he said.

“Hopefully this encourages more people not to come back for a second time or even once.”

Money collected from selling and scrapping vehicles must be used to cover costs. A court order may be issued to pay a credit provider before any funds are returned to general revenue.