"The new Land Transport (Unauthorised Street and Drag Racing) Amendment Act 2003 comes into force at midnight tonight and will be rigorously enforced," says Superintendent Steve Fitzgerald, the National Road Policing Manager.
Each Police district is responsible for implementing the new law. Plans will vary throughout the country according to local priorities.
"I would expect that the public will see operations over the next few weeks. Local Police will pick the time and place of enforcement action and anyone who may be tempted to flout the law should not try to second-guess where local operations may take place."
This new law has been introduced to increase the ability of Police to restrict street racing and in response to growing concern at the danger and disruption that these races can cause, especially in city streets.
The penalties for breaking the law include heavy fines, imprisonment and vehicle impoundment for up to 28 days. People caught driving a vehicle in illegal street races or drag racing could face three months in prison, fines up to $4,500 and lose their licences for six months.
Police will also be targeting vehicles with ineffective silencers or exhausts. Where exhaust or silencer systems are found to be substantially noisier than would be expected, action will be taken.Vehicles will be ordered off the road and will need to be checked at limited testing stations approved by the Director of Land Transport Safety.
"The "Boy Racer" Act does not apply to legally authorised street or car races. We hope that those who want to continue to race their cars will make use of properly organised events. I’d also encourage car racing enthusiasts to check the detail of the new law on our website - www.police.govt.nz," says Superintendent Fitzgerald.