New boy racer legislation

**Tony** · 2nd February 2009, 09:03

Ok I know this is not a bike debate but it does incorrectly concern us.

John Key and the national party are proposing draconian new laws to deal with boy racers.

"Mr Key, Police Minister Judith Collins and Transport Minister Steven Joyce talked with officials last night about how quickly changes could be made.

Ms Collins is to see Police Commissioner Howard Broad today.

Options included a cease and desist order, like that used in Scotland. It would require a new offence of vehicle disorder -- using a vehicle in a way that alarmed or distressed the public -- to be established."

ref: http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/5294512

This law is of real concern as it leaves too much discretion in the hands of individual police officers. It is the middle part of wedge...we have already seen the thin end of the wedge.

Also the rule worries me as it is more about politicing than it is about road safety. Draconian knee jerk laws like this criminalises people and causes us all more issues down stream.

Here's an alternative suggestion for legislation.

Introduce a Learner restriction similar to that for motorcycle learners.

"1. Learner drivers are not permitted to drive a non turbovehicle greater than 1350cc (Alternatively limit cars by a power to weight ratio as per the new motorcycle learner restrictions) until they reach the age of 20. No engine modifications (including engine electronics, induction and exhauxst systems) are permitted, but owners may modify the personalise the vehicle in any other way that is compliant with Warrant Of Fitness regulations.

2.Vehicles of drivers caught breaking this rule will be sold to defray fines, court costs, victim compensation and any damages to third party property. [This rule has been amended from previous suggestion of crushing cars due to popular consensus ...and because my self esteem can't withstand losing votes to Judith Collins!]

Exemptions:
Learner drivers may drive a vehicle that exceeds this CC restriction if they are accompanied by either the owner of the car or a family member who must be over the age of 20.

Learner drivers may apply for an exemption to this rule for the purpose of driving speciality vehicles as part of their employment, etc that will not be unreasonably withheld.

Learner drivers who are existing owners of vehicles that are not compliant with these conditions may continue driving them while they remain the owners of them."

**madbikeboy** · 2nd February 2009, 09:15

Bullshit.

If 300 bikers mobbed and shot at a police officer, we'd deserve to get this legislation on us.

The boy racer problem is way out of control - most Fridays and Saturdays the boy racers use my road as a fucking race track - I've lost count of the amount of times they've crashed on my corner. Most of the time they're drunk. I've stopped bothering to go help, if they bleed to death, it's their problem.

This doesn't affect us, or concern us.

**mrchips** · 2nd February 2009, 09:27

Saw this on the news & thought..... oh not again, they're not going to target bloody exhaust noise again shurely.

Shame it took harassing a member of our finest law enforcement constabulary to get the ball rolling, at least they're taking it seriously this time.

**Tank** · 2nd February 2009, 09:29

Originally Posted by mrchips

Saw this on the news & thought..... oh not again, they're not going to target bloody exhaust noise again shurely.

Shame it took harassing a member of our finest law enforcement constabulary to get the ball rolling, at least they're taking it seriously this time.

Its a lot more than just loud exhaust.

**nodrog:Me** · 2nd February 2009, 09:34

why the fuck do they need to make another bullshit law to deal with these fuckwits? what is wrong with using the dangerous driving, speeding, drunk driving, assualt, etc laws that already exist.

there is going to be so many variations of basically the same type of law soon, that the coppers are going to have to have fuckin lawyers degrees to work out which one to apply.

they need to simplify the existing laws and apply them properly instead of inventing new ones.

soon it will be illegal to listen to anything other than classic hits on your car stereo because it might frighten the blue rinse brigade.

**Road Guardian** · 2nd February 2009, 09:52

Originally Posted by madbikeboy

Bullshit.

If 300 bikers mobbed and shot at a police officer, we'd deserve to get this legislation on us.

The boy racer problem is way out of control - most Fridays and Saturdays the boy racers use my road as a fucking race track - I've lost count of the amount of times they've crashed on my corner. Most of the time they're drunk. I've stopped bothering to go help, if they bleed to death, it's their problem.

This doesn't affect us, or concern us.

I totally agree with that MBB.

Tony
Putting any restriction on any learner in a car IS NOT GOING TO FIX ANYTHING, the issue is the access these (and I mean the "hardcore boy racers") boy racers have too cars.

You can take away their licenses, and they will continue to drive their vehicles. The issue is their behavior is getting out of control, taking their car will fix that.

Any boy racer legislation should not affect the majority of bike riders, how many bikers do you see driving up and down Manchester Street on a Friday night. And if any of us (bikers) who are acting like a boy racer should have their bike/license taken anyway.

I support the change that is required, as I HAVE TO PICK THE B******* UP when they crash because of their own stupidity and excess testosterone.

And nodrog, yes i agree with you a bit there, the laws should be simplified and made more more effective.

Yea yea, another rant I know, sad

**Disco Dan** · 2nd February 2009, 09:54

As Judith Collins said herself on the news - cars should be crushed.

That would really start sending the message to these very immature youths.

They show no respect for the law or anyone else.

I would love for them to stream the crushing of their tin can cars on website.

**MSTRS:Me** · 2nd February 2009, 10:03

Originally Posted by nodrog

why the fuck do they need to make another bullshit law to deal with these fuckwits? what is wrong with using the dangerous driving, speeding, drunk driving, assualt, etc laws that already exist.

there is going to be so many variations of basically the same type of law soon, that the coppers are going to have to have fuckin lawyers degrees to work out which one to apply.

they need to simplify the existing laws and apply them properly instead of inventing new ones.

That covers it nicely. New laws are not required.
eg Right now there is a law pertaining to illegal gatherings and/or gathering for the purposes of committing a criminal act. Use that one.

**Dargor** · 2nd February 2009, 10:13

They dont need more laws they need police to go to where they hang out and wait with ticket book ready. loss of traction - ticket, drink driving - ticket, speeding - ticket.

However i agree engine size limit would be good, but restrict by licence not age.

**meteor** · 2nd February 2009, 10:18

Originally Posted by MSTRS

That covers it nicely. New laws are not required.
eg Right now there is a law pertaining to illegal gatherings and/or gathering for the purposes of committing a criminal act. Use that one.

Exactly, but when the case inevitably gets to court we need the justice sector to step up. All to frequently the laws are made an ass of because the courts are not sending the message. Reap what we sow! Look at how the cops are getting assaulted, if the courts banged the crims up for doing it then they would stop. It's a justice issue not a police one.

**Mikkel** · 2nd February 2009, 10:27

I don't understand why people think that a ccm limitation as part of the graded licensing system is going to change anything. The problem here is not that they are speeding, it's all the other shit that goes on.

If they can't pay their fines, expropriate and sell their cars. If they use mob tactics to ambush cops - round them up and lock them down. If some of them have to go to hospital before the rest of them understands that society at large isn't going to put up with that kind of shit, then so be it.

As far as vehicles are concerned compulsory 3rd party insurance is going to hit them where it hurts. Provided that they are made to follow the rules, which the nanny state hasn't been able to achieve yet.

**JMemonic** · 2nd February 2009, 10:27

How about this for an idea Police not attending situations like this, where they know from past experience the potential to explode into a near riot, with only one officer.

They don't have the resources thanks to successive attacks by governments and bureaucrats into basic issues like staffing, also what has not help is the softly softly approach to restorative justice, there is little disincentive for behaviour like this, jails are full fines are unpaid, there are stories often about community service not being done and ankle bracelets being left at home.

What is needed is a total overhaul of our justice system, slowly and thoughtfully from the ground up, we need incentives for people with life experience to enter enforcement, a restorative system that actually has some form of punishment to it, and when restitution is ordered 10 cents per week is not acceptable, punishment needs to be that punishment.