Tasmania Police is stepping up its road safety measures, introducing more wheel clamps across the state to target hooning and reckless driving.
Tasmania Police Expands Use of Wheel Clamps
The latest road safety initiative involves the rollout of additional steering wheel clamps across Tasmania. These devices are designed to immobilise vehicles on the spot when drivers are caught hooning, speeding excessively, or engaging in other dangerous behaviours. The clamps will be distributed across the Western, Northern, and Southern policing districts.
This is a Statewide Rollout Across Tasmania
The clamp rollout is statewide, with Tasmania Police confirming that all three major policing districts will receive the devices. The initiative is part of the 2024–25 road safety strategy, following an increase in traffic offending compared with the previous financial year.
Police Aim To Reduce Hooning
The clamp initiative is significant because it provides immediate consequences for reckless drivers. By immobilising vehicles at the roadside, police can prevent further dangerous behaviour and send a clear deterrent message. For Tasmanian communities, this move is aimed at reducing road trauma, protecting passengers, and improving safety for all road users.
Traffic Offences Leading to Vehicle Clamping
In the 2024–25 financial year, Tasmania Police clamped 175 vehicles. Of these, 60 were directly linked to hooning offences. Other offences included:
- Dangerous and reckless driving – 3 cases
- Disqualified driving – 23 cases
- Evading police (non-aggravated) – 49 cases
- Evading police (aggravated) – 22 cases
- Speeding more than 45km/h over the limit – 16 cases
More than 100 of these vehicles were clamped for 28 days, while 21 were immobilised for nine months and 19 indefinitely. The Southern district recorded the highest number of hooning-related clampings, with 35 incidents.
Police Emphasise Road Safety as a Priority
Acting Inspector Rebecca Sulman highlighted that wheel clamps are a strong enforcement tool, ensuring offenders face immediate penalties. She stressed that dangerous driving, hooning, and excessive speed place everyone at risk. Tasmania Police has also reported a 22 per cent increase in traffic offenders compared with the previous year, reinforcing the need for stronger enforcement.
Police are urging the public to report hooning or reckless driving. Incidents can be reported directly to police on 131 444, or in emergencies via triple zero (000). Anonymous reports can also be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, including the option to upload photos or video evidence online.
For more details, see the official Tasmania Police media release.
Provide a quick recap
- Tasmania Police is expanding the use of steering wheel clamps.
- 175 vehicles were clamped in 2024–25, including 60 for hooning.
- Offences include reckless driving, speeding, and evading police.
- More than 100 vehicles were clamped for 28 days.
- Southern Tasmania recorded the highest hooning clamp numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hooning and why is it dangerous?
Hooning refers to reckless driving behaviours such as street racing, burnouts, or excessive speeding. It is dangerous because it increases the risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities, endangering not only the driver but also passengers and other road users.
How do police wheel clamps work?
Wheel clamps are devices fitted to a vehicle’s steering wheel, preventing it from being driven. Police can apply them immediately at the roadside when a driver is caught hooning, speeding excessively, or committing other serious traffic offences.
How long can a vehicle be clamped in Tasmania?
Clamping periods vary depending on the offence. In 2024–25, most vehicles were clamped for 28 days. However, some were immobilised for nine months, and in the most serious cases, vehicles were clamped indefinitely.
What should I do if I see hooning or dangerous driving?
If you witness hooning, you can report it to police on 131 444. In emergencies or life-threatening situations, call triple zero (000). Anonymous reports, including photo or video evidence, can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.
Why is Tasmania Police increasing clamp use now?
Police data shows a 22 per cent rise in traffic offenders compared with the previous year. The increased use of clamps is part of a broader strategy to reduce road trauma, deter dangerous driving, and improve safety across Tasmania’s roads.
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