DKT- Police impound a vehicle for 30 days.
- Courts can add 45 days to 3 months for repeat or serious offences.
- For a third offence the court may order forfeiture of the vehicle.
Offences that can lead to impoundment
- Dangerous driving.
- Careless driving.
- Failing to have proper control of the vehicle.
- Burnouts and doughnuts.
- Causing the vehicle to make excessive noise or smoke.
- Speeding at 45 km/h or more over the limit.
- Street racing.
- Repeat offences of unlicensed, disqualified, drink or drug driving.
The handbook also describes hoon driving: police can impound or immobilise a motor vehicle for 30 days if it is used for offences such as excessive speeding, or improper use that causes loss of traction or excessive noise or smoke.
How long is your vehicle held?
| Offence | Impoundment |
|---|---|
| First offence | 30 days by police |
| Second offence | 30 days by police, plus an extra 45 days to 3 months imposed by a court |
| Third offence | 30 days by police, plus an extra 45 days to 3 months from a court, or possible forfeiture of the vehicle |
| More serious offences, such as driving 70 km/h or more over the limit, or repeat disqualified, unlicensed, drink or drug driving | 30 days by police, plus an extra 45 days to 3 months imposed by a court |
Staying out of trouble
The risk is the same for every driver, including learners and Ps. Respect the limits in speed limits, and stay away from drink and drug driving. See drink driving penalties, drug driving and unlicensed and disqualified driving.
Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.
Quick answers
How long can police impound your car in Victoria?
Police impound a vehicle for 30 days. A court can then add 45 days to 3 months for second and third offences and more serious offences.
Can your vehicle be taken permanently in Victoria?
For a third impoundment offence the courts may order possible vehicle forfeiture, according to the handbook.